trough

/trɔf/

Definition

Noun: 1. A long, narrow, open container: Typically used for holding food or water for animals, or for other practical purposes like mixing. 2. A long, narrow depression or channel: This can refer to a physical feature in the earth, a low point between waves, a low-pressure area in meteorology, or a period of low economic activity. 3. A conduit for carrying away liquid: Specifically, a gutter along the edge of a roof.

Usage and Examples

As an animal feeder: > The farmer filled the trough with fresh water for the horses.
As a shallow receptacle: > The baker kneaded the dough in a large wooden trough.
As a natural or economic low point: > The boat rocked in the trough between two large waves. > The economy is in a trough, with unemployment at its highest point in a decade.
As a roof channel: > The rainwater flows from the roof into the trough and down the drainpipe.

Advanced Usage

Meteorological Trough: In weather, a trough is an elongated area of relatively low atmospheric pressure, often associated with clouds and precipitation. > A cold trough is moving in from the west, bringing rain.
Economic/Business Cycle Trough: The lowest point in an economic cycle, marking the end of a period of declining business activity and the transition to recovery. > Analysts believe we have passed the trough of the recession.

Variants and Related Words

Troughful (n.): The amount that a trough can hold.
Troughing (n.): The system or material used to make troughs, especially for roofing.

Synonyms

Manger (specifically for animal feed).
Channel, duct, gutter (for carrying liquid).
Depression, dip, hollow, valley (for a low point).

Related Phrases and Compounds

Feeding trough: Specifically for animals.
Roof trough: Another term for a gutter.
Wave trough: The lowest point between wave crests.
Trough line: The axis of lowest pressure in a meteorological trough.

Idioms

To be at a trough: To be at a low point or in a state of decline. > Public confidence in the government is at a trough.

Noun

a container (usually in a barn or stable) from which cattle or horses feed
a long narrow shallow receptacle
a treasury for government funds
a concave shape with an open top
a channel along the eaves or on the roof; collects and carries away rainwater
a narrow depression (as in the earth or between ocean waves or in the ocean bed)

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