trunk

views updated May 21 2018

trunk / trəngk/ • n. 1. the main woody stem of a tree as distinct from its branches and roots. ∎  the main part of an artery, nerve, or other anatomical structure from which smaller branches arise. ∎ short for trunk line. ∎  an enclosed shaft or conduit for cables or ventilation.2. a person's or animal's body apart from the limbs and head.3. the elongated, prehensile nose of an elephant.4. a large box with a hinged lid for storing or transporting clothes and other articles. ∎  the space at the back of a car for carrying luggage and other goods.DERIVATIVES: trunk·ful / -ˌfoŏl/ n. (pl. -fuls) trunk·less adj.

trunk

views updated May 14 2018

trunk
A. main stem of a tree XV;

B. human or animal body XV;

C. chest, box XV;

D. (assoc. partly with TRUMP1) †pipe, tube; elephant's proboscis XVI;

E. †pl. trunk-hose XVI; short breeches XIX. ME. tron(c)k — (O)F. tronc :- L. truncus. comp. trunk-hose (hist.) full bag-like, breeches. XVII.

trunk

views updated May 23 2018

trunk (trunk) n.
1. see truncus.

2. the body excluding the head and limbs.

trunk

views updated May 14 2018

trunk Another (US) name for bus.