'Canal' definitions:

Definition of 'canal'

From: WordNet
noun
(astronomy) an indistinct surface feature of Mars once thought to be a system of channels; they are now believed to be an optical illusion
noun
A bodily passage or tube lined with epithelial cells and conveying a secretion or other substance; "the tear duct was obstructed"; "the alimentary canal"; "poison is released through a channel in the snake's fangs" [syn: duct, epithelial duct, canal, channel]
noun
Long and narrow strip of water made for boats or for irrigation
verb
Provide (a city) with a canal [syn: canal, canalize, canalise]

Definition of 'Canal'

From: GCIDE
  • Canal \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.] [1913 Webster]
  • 1. An artificial channel filled with water and designed for navigation, or for irrigating land, etc. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. (Anat.) A tube or duct; as, the alimentary canal; the semicircular canals of the ear. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. A long and relatively narrow arm of the sea, approximately uniform in width; -- used chiefly in proper names; as, Portland Canal; Lynn Canal. [Alaska] [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]