Funnel

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈfÊŒnÉ™l/
• Rhymes: -ÊŒnÉ™l

Origin

Old English funel, fonel, probably through Old French, from Latin

fundibulum, infundibulum ("funnel"), from infundere ("to pour in");

in ("in") + fundere ("to pour"); compare Breton founil ("funnel"), Welsh ffynel ("air hole, chimney"). See fuse.

Full definition of funnel

Noun

1. A utensil of the shape of an inverted hollow cone, terminating below in a pipe, and used for conveying liquids etc. into a close vessel; a tunnel.
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.

Derived terms

Verb

1. To use a funnel.
2. To proceed through a narrow gap or passageway akin to a funnel; to narrow or condense.Expect delays where the traffic funnels down to one lane.
3. (transitive) To direct (money or resources).Our taxes are being funnelled into pointless government initiatives.

Derived terms

• refunnel