canalization: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “canalization” mean?
The process of creating or using canals or channels.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process of creating or using canals or channels; the act of directing something along a specific path.
In biology and genetics, the tendency of a developmental process to follow a particular path despite genetic or environmental variations; in psychology/sociology, the channeling of drives or energies into specific behaviors or outlets; in engineering/geography, the construction or modification of waterways.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'canalisation' is the standard British spelling, while 'canalization' is standard American. The 'z' vs. 's' distinction applies.
Connotations
Identical across varieties in technical contexts. The general 'channeling' sense might be slightly more common in American academic prose.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, primarily confined to technical and academic writing. The British spelling variant 'canalisation' is less common globally due to the dominance of American English in scientific publishing.
Grammar
How to Use “canalization” in a Sentence
canalization of [noun phrase]canalization into [noun phrase]canalization by [agent]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “canalization” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council plans to canalise the floodwaters away from the village.
- His research aims to understand how traits become canalised during evolution.
American English
- The Army Corps of Engineers will canalize the river to improve navigation.
- Evolutionary pressures can canalize developmental pathways.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form in common use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form in common use]
adjective
British English
- The canalised section of the stream looks unnaturally straight.
- A highly canalised developmental process is resistant to mutation.
American English
- The canalized irrigation ditch distributes water efficiently.
- Canalized behaviors are those shaped by strong social norms.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear metaphorically in strategic planning: 'The canalization of resources into core projects.'
Academic
Common in biology, genetics, psychology, and geography papers. 'Waddington's concept of genetic canalization is fundamental to evolutionary developmental biology.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound overly formal or technical.
Technical
Primary domain. Refers to physical construction of canals, modification of riverbeds, or the biological concept of buffered development.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “canalization”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “canalization”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “canalization”
- Misspelling as 'canalisation' in American contexts or 'canalization' in British contexts where the local variant is expected.
- Confusing it with 'canalisation' (BrE) in international publications, causing inconsistency.
- Using it in everyday conversation where simpler words like 'channeling' or 'directing' are more appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Channeling' is a more general, everyday term for directing something. 'Canalization' is more formal and technical, often implying the creation of a structured, fixed pathway, especially in biology or engineering.
No, it is a low-frequency word used almost exclusively in academic, scientific, or technical contexts. The average English speaker is unlikely to encounter or use it.
The standard British English spelling is 'canalisation' (with an 's'). However, the American spelling with 'z' is also widely seen in the UK, especially in scientific texts.
Yes, in psychology it can refer to the process by which innate drives or energies are directed into specific learned behaviors or social outlets, a concept used in some theories of motivation and development.
The process of creating or using canals or channels.
Canalization is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Canalization: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkæn.ə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkæn.ə.ləˈzeɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CANAL. Canalization is the process of making something flow like in a canal—either water in a channel or development along a set path.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEVELOPMENT IS A CHANNELED WATERWAY; ENERGY IS WATER FLOWING IN A CONDUIT.
Practice
Quiz
In evolutionary biology, 'canalization' primarily refers to: