trough

trough

noun
\ˈtrȯf, ˈtrȯth, by bakers often ˈtrō\

plural troughs\ˈtrȯfs, ˈtrȯvz; ˈtrȯths, ˈtrȯ(th)z; ˈtrōz\

Definition of TROUGH

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

Examples of TROUGH

1. The economy is in a trough right now.
2. <all of the wiring for the converted residential loft is concealed in a vertical trough>

Origin of TROUGH

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to TROUGH

Synonyms: channel, conduit, duct, leader, line, penstock, pipe, tube

Related Words: drain, drainpipe, funnel, hydrant, main, smokestack, spout, standpipe, stovepipe, tile, waste pipe, waterspout; pipage (or pipeage), pipeline, piping

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Other Geology Terms

anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale

Rhymes with TROUGH

cough, doff, off, scoff, taw