Valvate \Valv"ate\, a. [L. valvatus having folding doors.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. Resembling, or serving as, a valve; consisting of, or
      opening by, a valve or valves; valvular.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Bot.)
      (a) Meeting at the edges without overlapping; -- said of
          the sepals or the petals of flowers in aestivation,
          and of leaves in vernation.
      (b) Opening as if by doors or valves, as most kinds of
          capsules and some anthers.
          [1913 Webster]