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

Example Sentences

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

Look for a mobile island or a piece dedicated to prepping and service, like this trough that includes a spot for ice and room to mix drinks and slice up garnishes. —Alyssa Longobucco, House Beautiful, 16 Mar. 2023

Ultimately, analysts at firms like Fannie Mae and Moody's Analytics expect a peak-to-trough decline of around 10%. —Lance Lambert, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2023

John Burns Real Estate Consulting expects prices to fall 20% peak-to-trough and also expects the low point near the end of 2024. —Nicole Friedman, WSJ, 7 Dec. 2022

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1,500 points from peak to trough and the S&P 500 posted its widest trading range since March 2020, ending the day up more than 2%. —Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 14 Oct. 2022

The most successful company investments in terms of wealth created for shareholders at the decade horizon also involved very substantial peak-to-trough drawdowns. —Jim Osman, Forbes, 10 June 2022

Models are in good agreement that a cold upper level trough will settle in overnight Friday bringing stronger showers into the metro area. —oregonlive, 3 Mar. 2023

The shifts have spurred a roughly 60% rally in the Hang Seng Tech Index since an October trough, a world-beating feat even though the gauge’s market value is still half of its February 2021 peak. —Anders Melin, Fortune, 17 Jan. 2023

There will be an area of low pressure passing south of the region overnight and an associated trough that moves through the state causing mostly cloudy skies and a 25 percent chance for some snow showers and flurries. —Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2023

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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

• 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