Definition of funnel

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fun·nel    (fnl) KEY 

NOUN:

1. 1. A conical utensil having a small hole or narrow tube at the apex and used to channel the flow of a substance, as into a small-mouthed container.
   2. Something resembling this utensil in shape.
2. A shaft, flue, or stack for ventilation or the passage of smoke, especially the smokestack of a ship or locomotive.

VERB:
fun·neled or fun·nelled, fun·nel·ing or fun·nel·ling, fun·nels
VERB:
intr.

1. To take the shape of a funnel.
2. To move through or as if through a funnel: tourists funneling slowly through customs.

VERB:
tr.

1. To cause to take the shape of a funnel.
2. To cause to move through or as if through a funnel.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English fonel, from Provençal fonilh, from Late Latin fundibulum, from Latin nfundibulum, from nfundere, to pour in ; see infuse