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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. often channels A route of communication or access: 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. a. Electronics A specified frequency band for the transmission and reception of electromagnetic signals, as for television signals. b. A continuous program of audio or video content distributed by a television, radio, or internet broadcaster. c. A company or other entity presenting such content. 10. Computers A chatroom on an online network. 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. See ion channel. b. See protein channel. tr.v. chan·neled, chan·nel·ing, chan·nels also chan·nelled or chan·nel·ling 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; channel young people into good jobs. 4. To serve as a medium for (a spirit guide). 5. To use or follow as a model; imitate: a politician channeling bygone conservatives to appear stronger on defense. channel·er n. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
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. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
