tunneling

American  

[tuhn-uhl-ing] / ˈtʌn əl ɪŋ /

noun

tunnelings plural

1. the act or process of creating a tunnel.

2. Physics. in quantum mechanics, the phenomenon in which a particle passes through a potential barrier that it would not be able to cross under classical physics; the probability of tunneling depends on the thickness of the barrier and the energy of the particle.

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tunneling Scientific  

/ tŭn′ə-lĭng /

1. See quantum tunneling

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• cotunneling
  noun
• non-tunneling
  adjective
• anti-tunneling
  adjective

Inflected Forms

noun

• tunnelings
  plural

Example Sentences

There are strict rules in California around the purchasing of dynamite, which is generally restricted to licensed professionals working in mining and quarry operations, building demolitions, tunneling projects and specialized industrial activities.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

According to the researchers, satellite glial cells appear to pass healthy mitochondria directly into sensory neurons through tiny structures known as tunneling nanotubes.

From Science Daily • May 24, 2026

This compact book weaves together topics including the microscopic quantum tunneling required for nuclear fusion and the macroscopic geometry of spacetime.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

In 2006, Waxman introduced legislation to repeal his subway tunnel ban after a panel of geological experts agreed that tunneling along Wilshire could be done safely.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

And how could he be sure he was tunneling well under the riverbed?

From "Abel's Island" by William Steig