Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun The smaller of two channels in a river that diverge to form an island
  • noun An unofficial communications channel used to make informal or subversive negotiations
  • noun linguistics A gesture or short prompt by which a listener invites a speaker to continue.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun an alternative to the regular channels of communication that is used when agreements must be made secretly (especially in diplomacy or government)

Etymologies

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Examples

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Comments

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  • Back channel support: the feedback that listeners give to speakers, by verbal expressions like mmm, uhuh, yeah, and by nodding, frowning or other facial and body gestures.

    August 23, 2011