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channel

/ˈtʃænəl/
noun★Intermediate
general

A path or medium for communication or transmission

The river serves as a natural channel for water flow.

A river acts as a path for water to move.

She tuned into her favorite TV channel.

A TV channel is a medium for broadcasting programs.

💡

Can refer to physical paths (e.g., rivers) or abstract mediums (e.g., TV, internet).

💻Technology
technical

A specific frequency or bandwidth for communication

The radio station operates on channel 102.5 FM.

A radio channel is a specific frequency for broadcasting.

💡

In telecommunications, channels are designated frequencies or bandwidths.

Business

A means of distributing information or content

Social media channels help brands reach their audience.

Social media platforms are channels for marketing content.

💡

In marketing, channels include websites, social media, and email.

Collocations

TV channela specific broadcast frequency for televisioncommunication channela medium for exchanging informationmarketing channela platform for promoting products

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

change channelsphrase
to switch between different sources of information
off the channelphrase
not following the expected path or medium

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

The meaning of 'channel' varies by context—technical, marketing, or literal.

⚡Gold Rule

Literal vs. Figurative

Use 'channel' for both physical paths and abstract mediums.

📖Word Origin

From Old French 'canel' (groove, channel), from Latin 'canna' (reed, pipe).

📝Usage Notes

Can be used literally (e.g., water channel) or metaphorically (e.g., communication channel).

Word Breakdown

chan-
related to grooves or paths
root
+
-nel
suffix indicating a narrow passage
suffix
English Dictionary

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