tunnel etymology

Etymology

The word "tunnel" comes from the Old French word "tonel," which means "barrel." The word was first used in English in the 16th century to describe a subterranean passageway.

Meaning

A tunnel is a subterranean passageway that is constructed through a natural or man-made object. Tunnels can be used for transportation, water supply, or drainage.

Origin

Tunnels have been used for centuries. The earliest known tunnels were built in ancient Egypt around 2000 BCE. These tunnels were used to transport water from the Nile River to the city of Memphis.

Over the centuries, tunnels have been used for a variety of purposes. In the 19th century, tunnels were built to connect cities and towns by rail. In the 20th century, tunnels were built to transport water and energy resources.

Today, tunnels are an essential part of our infrastructure. They allow us to travel quickly and safely, and they provide us with access to essential resources.

tunnel relate terms

  • mine

    Etymology Old English mīna or mīn Proto Germanic mīną Indo European root m

  • Chunnel

    Etymology Chunnel is a portmanteau of the words Channel English Channel and Tunn

  • channel

    Etymology The word channel comes from the Old French word canal which in turn comes

  • tunnel

    Etymology The word tunnel comes from the Old French word tonel which means barrel

  • tube

    Etymology The word tube comes from the Latin word tuba meaning trumpet The term w

  • delve

    Etymology Middle English delven from Old English delfan to dig to delve Proto Ge

  • warren

    Etymology and Meaning The surname Warren is derived from an Old French word warin wh

  • shaft

    Etymology Middle English schafte schafte from Old English sceaft sceaft shaft of

  • perforate

    Etymology The word perforate is derived from the Latin word perforare which means t

  • overturn

    Etymology The word overturn comes from the Middle English word overturnen which is d

  • catacomb

    Etymology The word catacomb is derived from the Latin phrase cata tumbas which mean

  • hollow

    Etymology Old English holh meaning hole hollow cavity Proto Germanic hulaz pr