from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Tunnel \Tun"nel\ (t[u^]n"n[e^]l), n. [F. tonnelle a
semicircular, wagon-headed vault, a tunnel net, an arbor, OF.
also tonnel; dim. of tonne a tun; -- so named from its
resemblance to a tun in shape. See {Ton}.]
1. A vessel with a broad mouth at one end, and a pipe or tube
at the other, for conveying liquor, fluids, etc., into
casks, bottles, or other vessels; a funnel.
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2. The opening of a chimney for the passage of smoke; a flue;
a funnel.
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And one great chimney, whose long tunnel thence
The smoke forth threw. --Spenser.
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3. An artificial passage or archway for conducting canals,
roads, or railroads under elevated ground, for the
formation of roads under rivers or canals, and the
construction of sewers, drains, and the like.
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4. (Mining) A level passage driven across the measures, or at
right angles to veins which it is desired to reach; --
distinguished from the {drift}, or {gangway}, which is led
along the vein when reached by the tunnel.
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{Tunnel head} (Metal.), the top of a smelting furnace where
the materials are put in.
{Tunnel kiln}, a limekiln in which coal is burned, as
distinguished from a {flame kiln}, in which wood or peat
is used.
{Tunnel net}, a net with a wide mouth at one end and narrow
at the other.
{Tunnel pit}, {Tunnel shaft}, a pit or shaft sunk from the
top of the ground to the level of a tunnel, for drawing up
the earth and stones, for ventilation, lighting, and the
like.
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