noun
canal
kuh-NAL/kəˈnæl/
A narrow passage carrying fluid.
The canal carries a cargo barge between parallel masonry banks.
Etymology
Latin canalis named a water pipe or channel. English first used canal for bodily passages and liquid-carrying pipes, then extended it to constructed waterways for irrigation or navigation.
In context
the canal is currently being expanded to enable even larger vessels to use the waterway between North and South America
More examples
- The boat passed slowly along the canal.
- The diagram traces the canal through the inner ear.
- Workers cleared debris from the drainage canal.
Forms
canal · canals
Similar words
- channel
- A broader passage for flow, while canal often names an artificial waterway or anatomical passage.