The word "funnel" is spelled with double "n" and a single "l". It is pronounced /ˈfʌn.əl/ according to the IPA phonetic transcription. The symbol "ʌ" represents the sound of the vowel "uh" as in "sun", while the "ə" symbol represents a reduced or unstressed "uh" sound. The "f" is pronounced as in "fine" and the "l" as in "lip". The word "funnel" refers to a tool used for pouring liquid or other substances into a container with a narrow opening.
A funnel is a conical-shaped device or utensil with a wide top opening and a narrow spout at the bottom, designed to facilitate the smooth and controlled pouring of liquids or powders into containers with smaller openings. It is typically made of materials such as plastic, metal, or glass, and commonly used in various industries and domestic settings for transferring substances.
The wide top of the funnel allows for easy and efficient pouring, as it provides a larger target area for the substance to be poured. This prevents spillage or wastage, especially when dealing with viscous or delicate materials. The narrow spout, on the other hand, directs and concentrates the flow, ensuring accuracy and precision during transfer.
Funneling is an essential process in multiple fields, including cooking, chemistry, automotive maintenance, and manufacturing industries. In the culinary realm, funnels are commonly used to pour liquids or dry ingredients into bottles, jars, or molds without creating messes. In scientific laboratories, they are employed to channel chemicals or samples into smaller containers for further analysis or experimentation.
Metaphorically, a funnel can also refer to a process of narrowing or directing something, such as information, resources, or a group of people, toward a specific goal or outcome. This usage often refers to the systematic filtering or selection of content, ideas, or individuals, allowing for efficiency and optimization.
1. A hollow conical vessel with a tube of variable length proceeding from its apex, used in pouring fluids from one container to another, in filtering, etc. 2. In anatomy, infundibulum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A trumpet-shaped tube for conveying liquids into close vessels; the hollow or shaft of a chimney through which the smoke ascends.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "funnel" originates from the Middle English word "fonel" or "fonnel", which was derived from the Old French word "fonel" or "founel". In turn, the Old French term came from the Latin word "infundibulum", meaning a funnel or hopper. This Latin word was formed by combining the prefix "in" (meaning "into") and the word "fundus" (meaning "bottom" or "foundation").