three-channel
|three-chan-nel|
/ˌθriːˈtʃænəl/
having three channels
Etymology
'three-channel' originates from Modern English, specifically the words 'three' + 'channel', where 'three' ultimately comes from Old English 'þrīe/þrēo' meaning '3' and 'channel' comes from Old French 'chanel' (from Latin 'canalis') meaning 'pipe' or 'course (of water)'.
'three' and 'channel' were separate words in Old and Middle English; in Modern English they were combined as a compound adjective (and occasionally as a noun) to describe items with three channels (e.g., audio or data).
Initially, 'channel' primarily meant a physical water course or conduit; over time it broadened to mean any pathway or medium (including electrical or informational), so 'three-channel' now commonly refers to electronic/audio/video/data systems with three pathways.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a device or system that has three channels (used informally as a noun).
The studio bought a new three-channel for testing surround sound.
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Adjective 1
having three separate channels (e.g., audio, video, or data channels); used to describe equipment or systems with three parallel pathways.
a three-channel audio mixer
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Last updated: 2025/11/25 12:17