from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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]