Webster's English Dictionary

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channel

1. chan.nel \'chan-*l\ n [ME chanel, fr. OF, fr. L canalis channel - more 
   at CANAL] 1a: the bed where a natural stream of water runs  1b: the deeper 
   part of a river, harbor, or strait  1c: a strait or narrow sea between two 
   close land masses  1d: a means of communication or expression  1e: a way or 
   course of thought or action  1f: a band of frequencies of sufficient width 
   for a single radio or televis ion communication 2: a usu. tubular enclosed 
   passage : CONDUIT  3: a long gutter, groove, or furrow  4: a metal bar of 
   flattened U-shaped section 
2. channel vt or chan.neled or chan.nelled;  or chan.nel.ing;  or 
   chan.nel.ling 1a: to form, cut, or wear a channel in  1b: GROOVE {~ a chair 
   leg}  2: to convey into or through a channel 
3. channel n [alter. of chainwale, fr. chain + wale] : one of the flat 
   ledges of heavy plank or metal bolted edgewise to the ou tside of a ship to 
   increase the spread of the shrouds