trough

noun

ˈtrȯf 

ˈtrȯth,

 by bakers often  ˈtrō

plural troughs ˈtrȯfs 

ˈtrȯvz;

ˈtrȯths,

ˈtrȯ(t͟h)z;

ˈtrōz

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: such as

a

: an elongated area of low barometric pressure

b

: the low point in a business cycle

Synonyms

• channel
• conduit
• duct
• leader
• line
• penstock
• pipe
• tube

Examples of trough in a Sentence

The economy is in a trough right now.

all of the wiring for the converted residential loft is concealed in a vertical trough

Recent Examples on the Web

The trough is not expected to bring any rain with it, and areas in the inland areas may creep up past 90 and perhaps as high as 95 for a couple days later in the week, according to the weather service. —Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 9 Sep. 2024

This creates a familiar wave pattern that can be seen in radar images and even sometimes from the ground, as clouds gather on the peaks and clear air remains in the troughs. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2024

Reconstruction still underway China’s housing market, plagued by bankrupt builders and dropping prices over the past few years, is still in a trough, JPMorgan’s chief China economist Haibin Zhu told CNBC. —Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2024

Because bitcoin miners can fill demand troughs without adding to the peaks, bitcoin mining can improve the return productivity of new renewable energy development. —Alyse Killeen, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English trog; akin to Old High German trog trough, Old English trēow tree, wood — more at tree entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing trough

• eaves trough
• have/get one's nose/snout in the trough

Kids Definition

trough

noun

ˈtrȯf 

plural troughs ˈtrȯfs  ˈtrȯvz 

1

: a long shallow container for the drinking water or feed of domestic animals

2

: a pipe, drain, or channel for water

especially : gutter entry 1 sense 1a

3

: a long and narrow or shallow hollow (as between waves or hills)

Medical Definition

trough

see gingival trough