The term 'external-channel' combines 'external,' originating from Latin 'externus,' meaning 'outside,' and 'channel,' from Old French 'chanel,' meaning 'canal' or 'waterway.'

'External' evolved from the Latin 'externus' through Middle English, while 'channel' transformed from Old French 'chanel' to the modern English 'channel.'

Initially, 'external' meant 'outside' and 'channel' referred to a waterway. Together, they now refer to a communication or distribution pathway outside an organization.