chan·nel 1 
(chănəl)
(chănəl)n.
1. The bed of a stream or river.
2. The deeper part of a river or harbor, especially a deep navigable passage.
3. A broad strait, especially one that connects two seas.
4. A trench, furrow, or groove.
5. A tubular passage for liquids; a conduit.
6. A course or pathway through which information is transmitted: new channels of thought; a reliable channel of information.
7. often channels A route of communication or access: took her request through official channels.
8. In communications theory, a gesture, action, sound, written or spoken word, or visual image used in transmitting information.
9.
a. Electronics A specified frequency band for the transmission and reception of electromagnetic signals, as for television signals.
b. A continuous program of audio or video content distributed by a television, radio, or internet broadcaster.
c. A company or other entity presenting such content.
10. Computers A chatroom on an online network.
11. The medium through which a spirit guide purportedly communicates with the physical world.
12. A rolled metal bar with a bracket-shaped section.
13.
a. See ion channel.
b. See protein channel.
tr.v. chan·neled, chan·nel·ing, chan·nels also chan·nelled or chan·nel·ling
1. To make or cut channels in.
2. To form a groove or flute in.
3. To direct or guide along some desired course: channels her curiosity into research; channel young people into good jobs.
4. To serve as a medium for (a spirit guide).
5. To use or follow as a model; imitate: a politician channeling bygone conservatives to appear stronger on defense.
[Middle English chanel, from Old French, from Latin canālis; see CANAL.]
channel·er n.