canal

 
Pronunciation: /kəˈnal/

noun

  • 1an artificial waterway constructed to allow the passage of boats or ships inland or to convey water for irrigation: they travelled on by canal the Oxford Canal
  • 2a tubular duct in a plant or animal, serving to convey or contain food, liquid, or air: the ear canal
  • 3 Astronomy any of a number of linear markings formerly reported as seen by telescope on the planet Mars.

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French, alteration of chanel 'channel', from Latin canalis 'pipe, groove, channel', from canna 'cane'