retaining valves

A form of retaining valve — A device that retains some air pressure in a train's air brake cylinders even when the automatic brake valve is set to the fully-released position, used on steep downgrades to allow a degree of continuous braking effort to be maintained without depleting the pressure in the train's brakepipe (which would result in the loss of nearly all braking ability, causing a runaway).

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Meanings

noun
  1. pluralplural of retaining valve
Cite this entry
APA

retaining valves. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/retaining%20valves

MLA

“retaining valves.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/retaining%20valves. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “retaining valves,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/retaining%20valves.

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