/ ˈpænl; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
[ C ] a square or rectangular piece of wood, glass or metal that forms part of a larger surface such as a door or wall :
One of the glass panels in the front door was cracked.
—see also solar panel
2.
[ C ] a piece of metal that forms part of the outer frame of a vehicle
3.
[ C ] a piece of cloth that forms part of a piece of clothing :
The trousers have double thickness knee panels for extra protection.
4.
[ C +sing./pl. v . ] a group of specialists who give their advice or opinion about sth; a group of people who discuss topics of interest on television or radio :
an advisory panel
a panel of experts
We have two politicians on tonight's panel.
a panel discussion
5.
[ C ] (also ˈjury panel ) (both especially NAmE ) = jury
6.
[ C ] a flat board in a vehicle or on a piece of machinery where the controls and instruments are fixed :
an instrument panel
a control / display panel
■ verb
( -ll- , NAmE -l- ) [ vn ] [ usually passive ] to cover or decorate a surface with flat strips of wood, glass, etc. :
The walls were panelled in oak.
a glass- / wood-panelled door
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French , literally piece of cloth , based on Latin pannus (piece of) cloth. The early sense piece of parchment was extended to mean list , which led to the sense advisory group . Senses 1 to 3 come from the late Middle English sense distinct section of a surface .