First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
trunk
noun \ˈtrəŋk\
: the thick main stem of a tree
: the main part of the human body not including the head, arms, and legs
: the main or central part of something
Full 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
See trunk defined for English-language learners
See trunk defined for kids
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Origin of TRUNK
Middle English trunke Anglo-French trunc, trunke, from Latin truncus trunk, torso
TRUNK Defined for Kids
trunk
noun \ˈtrəŋk\
Definition of TRUNK for Kids
1
: the thick main stem of a tree not including the branches and roots
2
: a box or chest for holding clothes or other articles especially for traveling
3
: the enclosed space in the rear of an automobile for carrying articles
4
: the long round muscular nose of an elephant
5
trunks plural : a swimsuit for a man or boy
6
: the body of a person or animal not including the head, arms, and legs
Medical Dictionary
trunk
noun \ˈtrəŋk\
Medical Definition of TRUNK
1
: the human body apart from the head and appendages : torso
2
: the main body of an anatomical part (as a nerve or blood vessel) that divides into branches
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