tunnel

²tunnel

verb

tunneled or tunnelledtunnel·ing or tunnel·ling \ˈtən-liŋ, ˈtə-n^əl-iŋ\

Definition of TUNNEL

intransitive verb

1

: to make or use a tunnel

2

physics : to pass through a potential barrier <electrons tunneling through an insulator between semiconductors>

transitive verb

: to make a tunnel or similar opening through or under; also : to make (one's way) by or as if by making a tunnel

— tun·nel·er \ˈtən-lər, ˈtə-n^əl-ər\ noun

Examples of TUNNEL

1. Workers are tunneling through the hill.
2. Insects had tunneled into the tree.

First Known Use of TUNNEL

1795

Rhymes with TUNNEL

funnel, gunnel