The Collaborative International Dictionary
Tunnel \Tun"nel\, n. [F. tonnelle a semicircular, wagon-headed vault, a tunnel net, an arbor, OF. also tonnel; dim. of tonne a tun; -- so named from its resemblance to a tun in shape. See Ton.]
A vessel with a broad mouth at one end, a pipe or tube at the other, for conveying liquor, fluids, etc., into casks, bottles, or other vessels; a funnel.
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The opening of a chimney for the passage of smoke; a flue; a funnel.
And one great chimney, whose long tunnel thence The smoke forth threw.
--Spenser. An artificial passage or archway for conducting canals or railroads under elevated ground, for the formation of roads under rivers or canals, and the construction of sewers, drains, and the like.
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(Mining) A level passage driven across the measures, or at right angles to veins which it is desired to reach; -- distinguished from the drift, or gangway, which is led along the vein when reached by the tunnel.
Tunnel head (Metal.), the top of a smelting furnace where the materials are put in.
Tunnel kiln, a limekiln in which coal is burned, as distinguished from a flame kiln, in which wood or peat is used.
Tunnel net, a net with a wide mouth at one end and narrow at the other.
Tunnel pit, Tunnel shaft, a pit or shaft sunk from the top of the ground to the level of a tunnel, for drawing up the earth and stones, for ventilation, lighting, and the like.