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funnel

Pronunciation: /ˈfʌnəl/

The English word “funnel” has 6 meanings listed here.

noun

  1. A utensil in the shape of an inverted hollow cone terminating in a narrow pipe, for channeling liquids or granular material; typically used when transferring said substances from any container into ones with a significantly smaller opening.
  2. A passage or avenue for a fluid or flowing substance; specifically, a smoke flue or pipe; the chimney of a steamship or the like.

verb

  1. To use a funnel.
  2. To proceed through a narrow gap or passageway akin to a funnel; to condense or narrow.
  3. To channel, direct, or focus (emotions, money, resources, etc.).
  4. To consume (beer, etc.) rapidly through a funnel, typically as a stunt at a party.

Etymology

From Middle English funell, fonel, probably through Old French *founel (compare Middle French fonel, Old Occitan fonilh, enfounilh), from Latin fundibulum, infundibulum (“funnel”), from infundere (“to pour in”); in (“in”) + fundere (“to pour”); compare Breton founilh (“funnel”), Welsh ffynel (“air hole, chimney”). See fuse.

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