trunk

trunk

noun \ˈtrəŋk\

Definition of TRUNK

1

a : the main stem of a tree apart from limbs and roots —called also bole b (1) : the human or animal body apart from the head and appendages : torso (2) : the thorax of an insect c : the central part of anything; specifically : the shaft of a column or pilaster

2

a (1) : a large rigid piece of luggage used usually for transporting clothing and personal effects (2) : the luggage compartment of an automobile b (1) : a superstructure over a ship's hatches usually level with the poop deck (2) : the part of the cabin of a boat projecting above the deck (3) : the housing for a centerboard or rudder

3

: proboscis; especially : the long muscular proboscis of the elephant

4

plural : men's shorts worn chiefly for sports <swimming trunks>

5

a : a usually major channel or passage (as a chute or shaft) b : a circuit between two telephone exchanges for making connections between subscribers; broadly : a usually electronic path over which information is transmitted (as between computer systems)

6

a : the principal channel or main body of a system or part that divides into branches <a nerve trunk> <the trunk of a river> b : trunk line

— trunk·ful \ˈtrənk-ˌfu̇l\ noun

Examples of TRUNK

1. the trunk of an artery
2. <threw the rest of her books and tapes in the trunk and closed the lid>

Origin of TRUNK

Middle English trunke Anglo-French trunc, trunke, from Latin truncus trunk, torso

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to TRUNK

Synonyms: bin, box, caddy, case, casket, locker, chest

Related Words: carton, crate; footlocker, locker, sea chest; coffer, lockbox, safe, safe-deposit box, strongbox; coffin; compartment, vault; canteen; caisson, hope chest; minaudière; bandbox, hatbox, jewel box, snuffbox, tinderbox

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