Main Entry: trough

Pronunciation: \ˈtrȯf, ˈtrȯth, by bakers often ˈtrō\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural troughs \ˈtrȯfs, ˈtrȯvz; ˈtrȯths, ˈtrȯ(th)z; ˈtrōz\

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English trog; akin to Old High German trog trough, Old English trēow tree, wood — more at tree

Date: before 12th century

1 a : a long shallow often V-shaped receptacle for the drinking water or feed of domestic animals b : any of various domestic or industrial containers
2 a : a conduit, drain, or channel for water; especially : a gutter along the eaves of a building b : a long and narrow or shallow channel or depression (as between waves or hills); especially : a long but shallow depression in the bed of the sea — compare trench
3 : the minimum point of a complete cycle of a periodic function: as a : an elongated area of low barometric pressure b : the low point in a business cycle