n. & v.
—n.
1 a a length of water wider than a strait, joining two larger areas, esp. seas. b (the Channel) the English Channel between Britain and France.
2 a medium of communication; an agency for conveying information (through the usual channels).
3 Broadcasting a a band of frequencies used in radio and television transmission, esp. as used by a particular station. b a service or station using this.
4 the course in which anything moves; a direction.
5 a a natural or artificial hollow bed of water. b the navigable part of a waterway.
6 a tubular passage for liquid.
7 Electronics a lengthwise strip on recording tape etc.
8 a groove or a flute, esp. in a column.
—v.tr. (channelled, channelling; US channeled, channeling)
1 guide, direct (channelled them through customs).
2 form channels in; groove.
Etymology: ME f. OF chanel f. L canalis CANAL
2.
n. Naut. any of the broad thick planks projecting horizontally from a ship's side abreast of the masts, used to widen the basis for the shrouds.
Etymology: for chain-wale: cf. gunnel for gunwale
Useful english dictionary. 2012.