Definition

Adjective: - Having a form that resembles a funnel; specifically, being wider at the top and narrowing toward the bottom, similar to the shape of a common kitchen or industrial funnel.

Usage

The adjective "funnel-shaped" is used to describe the physical form of an object, area, or natural formation. It is typically placed before a noun or used after a linking verb like "is" or "was."

Examples

• The valley was funnel-shaped, channeling the wind into a powerful gust.
• They built a funnel-shaped entrance to guide visitors into the main hall.
• The flower has a funnel-shaped corolla that collects rainwater.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific/Technical Description: Commonly used in fields like botany, geology, and engineering to precisely describe morphology.
  • The tornado exhibited a classic funnel-shaped cloud.
• Metaphorical Use: Can describe abstract concepts that narrow or concentrate.
  • The company has a funnel-shaped management structure, with many employees at the base and few executives at the top.

Variants and Related Words

• Funnel (n): A tube or pipe that is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, used for guiding liquid or powder into a small opening.
• Funnel (v): To channel or direct something through a narrow space.

Synonyms

• Conical: Having the shape of a cone (a more general geometric term).
• Tapering: Becoming gradually narrower.

Antonyms

• Bell-shaped: Widening at the bottom.
• Cylindrical: Having straight parallel sides and a circular cross-section.

Related Phrases and Idioms

(Note: "Funnel-shaped" itself is not typically used in phrasal verbs or idioms. The related noun "funnel" is used in such expressions.) - To funnel something into something: To direct money, resources, or information into a particular place or activity. - The charity funnels all donations directly into medical research.

Adjective

1. shaped in the form of a funnel