Dictionary entry

Canal

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Ca‐nal″ (?), n. [F. canal, from L. canalis canal, channel; prob. from a root signifying “to cut”; cf. D. kanaal, fr. the French. Cf. Channel, Kennel gutter.]

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.

Canal boat, a boat for use on a canal; esp. one of peculiar shape, carrying freight, and drawn by horses walking on the towpath beside the canal. — Canal lock. See Lock.