An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A phenomenon in quantum mechanics whereby a particle can penetrate and cross a potential barrier whose energy is greater than the particle’s energy. The tunnel effect, forbidden in classical mechanics, is a direct consequence of the wave nature of material particles. Also called tunneling

Etymology (EN): M.E. tonel, from M.Fr. tonele, tonnelle “funnel-shaped net,” feminine of tonnel,diminutive of tonne
“tun, cask for liquids.” Sense of “tube, pipe” developed in Eng. and led to sense of “underground passage.”

Etymology (PE): Oskar, → effect; tunel, from Fr. tunnel, as above.