channels

chan·nel ¹  (chnl)

n.

1. The bed of a stream or river.

2. The deeper part of a river or harbor, especially a deep navigable passage.

3. A broad strait, especially one that connects two seas.

4. A trench, furrow, or groove.

5. A tubular passage for liquids; a conduit.

6. A course or pathway through which information is transmitted: new channels of thought; a reliable channel of information.

7. A route of communication or access. Often used in the plural: took her request through official channels.

8. In communications theory, a gesture, action, sound, written or spoken word, or visual image used in transmitting information.

9. Electronics A specified frequency band for the transmission and reception of electromagnetic signals, as for television signals.

10. Computer Science A site on a network, as on IRC, where online conversations are held in real time by a number of computer users.

11. The medium through which a spirit guide purportedly communicates with the physical world.

12. A rolled metal bar with a bracket-shaped section.

13. A temporary opening in a cell membrane that allows ions or molecules to pass into or out of the cell.

tr.v. chan·neled also chan·nelled, chan·nel·ing also chan·nel·ling, chan·nels also chan·nels

1. To make or cut channels in.

2. To form a groove or flute in.

3. To direct or guide along some desired course: channels her curiosity into research.

4. To serve as a medium for (a spirit guide).

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[Middle English chanel, from Old French, from Latin canlis; see canal.]

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channel·er n.

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chan·nel ²  (chnl)

n. Nautical

A wood or steel ledge projecting from a sailing ship's sides to spread the shrouds and keep them clear of the gunwales.

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[Alteration of obsolete chainwale : chain + wale.]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

channels - official routes of communication; "you have to go through channels" transmission - communication by means of transmitted signals