CHANNELS

The physical confine of a river or slough, consisting of a bed and banks.

"The water coming out of the waterwheel created a standing wave in the channel."

The natural or man-made deeper course through a reef, bar, bay, or any shallow body of water.

"A channel was dredged to allow ocean-going vessels to reach the city."

The navigable part of a river.

"We were careful to keep our boat in the channel."

To make or cut a channel or groove in.

To direct or guide along a desired course.

"We will channel the traffic to the left with these cones."

(of a spirit, as of a dead person) To serve as a medium for.

"She was channeling the spirit of her late husband, Seth."

The wale of a sailing ship which projects beyond the gunwale and to which the shrouds attach via the chains. One of the flat ledges of heavy plank bolted edgewise to the outside of a vessel, to increase the spread of the shrouds and carry them clear of the bulwarks.

Formal lines of command and procedure.

"I'd love to be able to help you, but you'll have put that request through channels."