canal Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (astronomy) an indistinct surface feature of Mars once thought to be a system of channels; they are now believed to be an optical illusion
  2. noun a bodily passage or tube lined with epithelial cells and conveying a secretion or other substance
    duct; epithelial duct; channel.
    • the tear duct was obstructed
    • the alimentary canal
    • poison is released through a channel in the snake's fangs
  3. noun long and narrow strip of water made for boats or for irrigation
  4. verb provide (a city) with a canal
    canalize; canalise.

WordNet

Ca*nal" noun
Etymology
F. canal, from L. canalis canal, channel; prob. from a root signifying "to cut"; cf. D. kanaal, fr. the French. Cf. Channel, Kennel gutter.
Definitions
  1. An artificial channel filled with water and designed for navigation, or for irrigating land, etc.
  2. (Anat.) A tube or duct; as, the alimentary canal; the semicircular canals of the ear.

Webster 1913