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REFERENCE

panel

n. · v.
US //ˈpænəɫ// UK //pˈænəl// pan·el
  1. 1 surface section (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a flat, usually rectangular part of a larger surface, such as a wall, door, or fence.

    a distinct, usually rectangular section of a larger surface, often recessed or raised from the surrounding area.

    Example

    The carpenter replaced the broken wooden panel in the front door.

    Example

    The interior designer suggested using decorative fabric panels to soften the acoustics of the high-ceilinged dining room.
  2. 2 group of experts (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a small group of people chosen to discuss a topic, judge a competition, or give advice.

    a body of individuals selected to provide expert testimony, conduct a public discussion, or adjudicate a competition.

    Example

    A panel of experts will answer questions about climate change tonight.

    Example

    The selection panel interviewed several highly qualified candidates before deciding on a new director for the research institute.
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  1. 3 control interface (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

    a board or screen that contains switches, buttons, or controls for a machine or computer.

    a physical or virtual interface containing instruments, controls, or widgets for operating a system.

    Example

    You can change your password in the user control panel.

    Example

    The pilot monitored the instrument panel closely as the aircraft entered a thick layer of cloud.
  2. 4 comic book frame (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    one of the individual drawings that make up a page in a comic book.

    an individual frame or single drawing within a multi-frame sequence of a comic strip or graphic novel.

    Example

    The artist spent hours drawing the details in just one panel of the comic.

    Example

    The graphic novelist used a wide, borderless panel to emphasize the vastness of the desert landscape.
  3. 5 legal jury (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Law

    the group of people chosen to act as a jury in a court of law.

    the collective group of individuals summoned for jury service or the specific group empanelled for a trial.

    Example

    The members of the jury panel were asked to remain impartial.

    Example

    The defence attorney challenged several potential jurors during the selection of the panel to ensure a fair trial for his client.
  4. 6 medical test battery (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    a set of medical tests done together to check a person's health.

    a predetermined set of medical laboratory tests or assays performed as a single diagnostic battery.

    Example

    The doctor ordered a full blood panel to check for any deficiencies.

    Example

    A comprehensive metabolic panel provides essential information about the patient's kidney and liver function as well as electrolyte balance.
  5. 7 to cover with sections (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to cover a wall or ceiling with flat sections of wood or other material.

    to decorate or finish a surface by fitting it with panels. Transitive — requires a direct object.

    Example

    They decided to panel the library in dark oak to give it a classic look.

    Example

    The grand ballroom was elegantly panelled in walnut, reflecting the architectural style of the late nineteenth century.
Origin

From Middle English panel (“piece of cloth, saddle pad, pane of glass, piece of ice, part, division, jury list, jury members”), from Anglo-Norman panel, panelle (“piece of cloth, saddle cushion”), from Vulgar Latin pannellus, diminutive of Latin pannus (“cloth, rag, garment”), from Proto-Indo-European peh₂n- (“fabric”). Cognate with Old English fana (“a piece of cloth, patch, banner, flag, vane”). Doublet of vane.

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