Phrase guide

Valsalva manoeuvre

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

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.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: medicine, sciences

Examples

  • Variations of the Valsalva manoeuvre can be used during medical examination.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: autoinsufflation

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

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

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: Valsalva-Versuch — self-administered medical procedure of attempting to blow against a closed airway
  • German: Valsalva-Manöver — self-administered medical procedure of attempting to blow against a closed airway
  • Italian: manovra di Valsalva — self-administered medical procedure of attempting to blow against a closed airway