panel

panel [pan′əl]

n.

[OFr < VL * pannellus, dim. of L pannus, piece of cloth: see PANE]

1.

a) a piece of cloth placed under a saddle; saddle lining

b) a soft saddle

2. a section or division of a surface, or one that constitutes a surface; specif.,

a) a section of a fence or railing between two posts

b) a flat piece, usually rectangular, forming a part of the surface of a wall, door, cabinet, etc., and usually raised, recessed, framed, etc.

c) a similar piece used for enclosing or covering something or serving as a light diffuser, a built-in heating element in space heating, etc.

d) a compartment or pane of a window

e) a section of a tapestry

f) any of the sections of a comic strip

g) an insulated board, or flat surface, for instruments or controls, as of an electric circuit, airplane, etc.

3.

a) a thin board for an oil painting

b) a painting on such a board

c) any picture very much longer than it is wide

4. [< piece of parchment on which orig. recorded]

a) a list of persons summoned for jury duty

b) the persons summoned or the jury itself

5. a group of persons selected for a specific purpose, as judging a contest, discussing an issue publicly, performing on a radio or TV quiz show, etc.

6. Aeron.

a) any of the sections of a wing

b) any of the sections of fabric, etc. used in the envelope of a balloon or airship, or in the canopy of a parachute

7. Dressmaking a lengthwise strip, as of contrasting material, in a skirt or dress

8. Mining a compartment of a mine

vt.

paneled or panelled, paneling or panelling

to cover, provide, fit, or decorate with panels