[chan.nel] n [ME chanel, fr. MF, fr. L canalis channel--more at canal] (14c) 1 a: the bed where a natural stream of water runs b: the deeper part of a river, harbor, or strait c: a strait or narrow sea between two close landmasses d: a means of communication or expression: as (1): a path along which information (as data or music) in the form of an electrical signal passes (2) pl: a fixed or official course of communication "went through established military ~s with his grievances" e: a way, course, or direction of thought or action "new ~s of exploration" f: a band of frequencies of sufficient width for a single radio or television communication g: channeler
2. a: a usu. tubular enclosed passage: conduit b: a passage created in a selectively permeable membrane by a conformational change in membrane proteins
3: a long gutter, groove, or furrow
4: a metal bar of flattened U-shaped section
[2]channel vt -neled or -nelled ; -nel.ing or -nel.ling (15c) 1 a: to form, cut, or wear a channel in b: to make a groove in "~ a chair leg"
2: to convey or direct into or through a channel "~ his energy into constructive activities"
3: to serve as a channeler or intermediary for [3]channel n [alter. of chainwale, fr. [1]chain + [1]wale] (1769): one of the flat ledges of heavy plank or metal bolted edgewise to the outside of a ship to increase the spread of the shrouds