Definition of canal

The word "canal" originates from the Latin word "canalis," meaning "channel" or "duct." The Latin word is derived from "canere," which means "to channel" or "to direct." The Latin word "canalis" was used to describe a narrow passage or a channel, such as a waterway or a pipe. The English word "canal" has been in use since the 15th century, borrowed from the French word "canal," which is also derived from the Latin "canalis." In English, the word "canal" initially referred to a narrow waterway or a channel, such as a ship canal or a canal system. Over time, the meaning of the word "canal" expanded to include other types of channels, such as a pipe or a duct, and it is now commonly used in various contexts, including engineering, construction, and transportation.