funnel
UK: ˈfʌn(ə)l | US: ˈfʌn(ə)l
n. a conical or cylindrical tool used to guide liquid or powder into a small opening
vt. to direct or channel something (e.g., resources, information) through a narrow passage
The word "funnel" traces back to Old English funel, derived from Proto-Germanic funilaz, linked to the act of pouring. The suffix -el denotes a tool, emphasizing its functional purpose. Over time, the spelling stabilized as "funnel," retaining its core idea of guiding flow—whether literal (liquids) or metaphorical (resources).
She used a funnel to pour oil into the bottle without spilling.
The company funnels profits into research and development.
Traffic was funneled into a single lane during construction.
The report funnels complex data into easy-to-understand charts.
A funnel cloud formed ominously in the stormy sky.