funnel

¹fun·nel

noun \ˈfə-n^əl\

Definition of FUNNEL

1

a : a utensil that is usually a hollow cone with a tube extending from the smaller end and that is designed to catch and direct a downward flow

b : something shaped like a funnel

2

: a stack or flue for the escape of smoke or for ventilation (as on a ship)

Examples of FUNNEL

1. the funnel cloud of a tornado

Origin of FUNNEL

Middle English fonel, from Anglo-French fonyle, from Old Occitan fonilh, from Medieval Latin fundibulum, short for Latin infundibulum, from infundere to pour in, from in- + fundere to pour — more at found

First Known Use: 15th century

Rhymes with FUNNEL

gunnel, gunwale, runnel, tunnel

²funnel

verb

funneled also funnelledfunnel·ing also funnel·ling

Definition of FUNNEL

intransitive verb

1

: to have or take the shape of a funnel

2

: to pass through or as if through a funnel or conduit <the crowd funnels through the doors>

transitive verb

1

: to form in the shape of a funnel <funneled his hands and shouted through them>

2

: to move to a focal point or into a conduit or central channel <contributions were funneled into one account>

Examples of FUNNEL

1. Winds funneled through the canyon.
2. Smoke funneled up the chimney.
3. The crowd funneled through the doors.
4. He funneled the gas into the tank.
5. They funneled money into the campaign.
6. The information was being secretly funneled to the head of the organization.

First Known Use of FUNNEL

1594

Related to FUNNEL

Synonyms

canalize, channelize, conduct, direct, channel, pipe, siphon (also syphon)

Related Words

carry, convey, transmit; concentrate, consolidate, focus

Rhymes with FUNNEL

gunnel, tunnel

fun·nel

noun \ˈfən-^əl\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of FUNNEL

: a utensil that is usually a hollow cone with a tube extending from the smaller end and that is designed to catch and direct a downward flow—see büchner funnel