a mechanical device used to control the flow, pressure, or direction of liquids or gases; a loanword from English "valve"

(bound form) a powerful person, family, or group with dominant influence in a specific field; refers to historical lineages of merit or modern cliques like a 军阀 jūn​fá or 财阀 cái​fá

achievements; distinguished service, often in the context of family lineage

a Chinese surname