channel

(chănˈəl)

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.

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).

Related Forms:

• chanˈnel·er noun

(chănˈəl)