trunk

trunk [truŋk]

n.

[ME tronke < OFr tronc < L truncus, a stem, trunk < truncus, maimed, mutilated < IE * tronkus < base * trenk-, to press together, crowd > THRONG]

1. the main stem of a tree

2. the body of a human being or animal, not including the head and limbs

3. the thorax of an insect

4. the main body or stem of a nerve, blood vessel, etc., as distinguished from its branches

5. a long, flexible snout or proboscis, as of an elephant

6. a large, reinforced box or chest, used in traveling or for storage, as to hold clothing and personal effects

7. a large, long, boxlike pipe, shaft, etc. for conveying air, water, etc.

8. [pl.] TRUNK HOSE

☆ 9. [pl.] shorts worn by men for athletics, esp. for boxing or swimming

☆ 10. short for TRUNK LINE

☆ 11. a compartment in an automobile, usually in the rear, for holding a spare tire, luggage, etc.

12. Archit. the shaft of a column

13. Naut.

a) the part of a cabin above the upper deck

b) a boxlike or funnel-like casing, as for a centerboard or for connecting upper and lower hatches