| canalization [´kan·ǝl·ǝ`zā·shǝn] ENGINEERING Any system of distribution canals or conduits for water, gas, electricity, or steam. EVOLUTION The effect of natural selection on development to produce pathways that are insensitive to minor genetic or environmental variation; results in the phenotypic norm of the species. MEDICINE Surgical method of wound drainage without tubes by forming channels. PHYSIOLOGY The formation of new channels in tissues, such as the formation of new blood vessels through a thrombus. |