First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
trough
noun \ˈtrȯf, ˈtrȯth, by bakers often ˈtrō\
: a long, shallow container from which animals (such as cows, pigs, horses, etc.) eat or drink
: a period in which there is little economic activity and prices are usually low
: a long, low area between waves or hills
plural troughs \ˈtrȯfs, ˈtrȯvz; ˈtrȯths, ˈtrȯ(th)z; ˈtrōz\
Full 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
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Origin of TROUGH
Middle English, from Old English trog; akin to Old High German trog trough, Old English trēow tree, wood — more at tree
Other Geology Terms
TROUGH Defined for Kids
trough
noun \ˈtrȯf\
Definition of TROUGH for Kids
1
: a long shallow open container especially for water or feed for livestock
2
: a channel for water : gutter
3
: a long channel or hollow
Medical Dictionary
trough
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