funnel
Meanings
noun
- 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.
- A passage or avenue for a fluid or flowing substance; specifically, a smoke flue or pipe; the chimney of a steamship or the like.
- Ellipsis of purchase funnel (“the process of customer acquisition conceptualized as a series of stages, from initial awareness (top) to sale or conversion (bottom)”).
- Ellipsis of funnel cloud.
verb
- To use a funnel.
- To proceed through a narrow gap or passageway akin to a funnel; to condense or narrow.
- To channel, direct, or focus (emotions, money, resources, etc.).
- To consume (beer, etc.) rapidly through a funnel, typically as a stunt at a party.
noun
- Alternative form of fummel (“hybrid animal”).
Pronunciation
Word forms
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.
Related words
Derived words
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