## Meanings
1. A passage built under the ground or through a hill, often for trains, cars, or people.
2. A hole dug under the ground by an animal for shelter.
3. To dig a passage through or under something.

## Examples
- The tunnel reduced congestion at the narrow intersection.
- The rabbit disappeared into a tunnel beneath the hedge.
- The miners tunnelled through the rock to reach the gold.

## Derived Forms
- bridge-and-tunnel
- cross-tunnel
- tunnel-visioned
- tunneller

## Roots and Affixes
- Root: tonnelle
- Root: tonne

## Etymology
From Middle French tonnelle (“net”) or tonel (“cask”), diminutive of Old French tonne (“cask”), a word of uncertain origin and affiliation. Related to Old English tunne (“tun; cask; barrel”). More at tun.

## AI Etymology
Tunnel is from Middle French tonnelle (“net”) or tonel (“cask”), diminutive of Old French tonne (“cask”), a word of uncertain origin and affiliation. Related to Old English tunne (“tun; cask; barrel”). More at tun. The historical line also includes Middle French tonnelle, Old French tonne. In present-day use, it can mean a passage built under the ground or through a hill, often for trains, cars, or people, or a hole dug under the ground by an animal for shelter. Derived formations include bridge-and-tunnel, cross-tunnel, tunnel-visioned, tunneller.

## Topics
- People & Society

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