Etymology

Valsalva manoeuvre

Today it means: A self-administered procedure comprising an attempted exhalation against a closed airway, usually performed by closing one's mouth and pinching one's nose shut while attempting, with moderate force, to expel air. Full definition →

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The story

Named after Italian anatomist Antonio Maria Valsalva (1666–1723), whose research focused on the ears.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.