Early 19th century; earliest use found in William Kirby (1759–1850), entomologist and naturalist. From post-classical Latin canaliformis from classical Latin canālis + -formis.
Definition of canaliform in US English:
canaliform
adjectivekəˈnalɪfɔːm
Zoology
Resembling or having the form of a canal.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in William Kirby (1759–1850), entomologist and naturalist. From post-classical Latin canaliformis from classical Latin canālis + -formis.