Definition

1. Noun:
   • The main stem of a tree: The thick, central, woody part of a tree that supports the branches and is typically covered with bark.
   • A large, sturdy case or box for storing or transporting clothes and other items: A piece of luggage, often rectangular and rigid.
   • The main part of the human body, excluding the head, neck, and limbs: The torso.
   • A long, flexible nose of an animal, especially an elephant: The proboscis used for breathing, smelling, touching, and grasping.
   • An enclosed storage compartment at the rear of an automobile: A space for carrying luggage, tools, or other cargo.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The oak tree had a massive, gnarled trunk.
  • She packed her winter clothes into an old leather trunk.
  • He felt a pain in his trunk after the strenuous exercise.
  • The elephant used its trunk to pick up a peanut.
  • Please put the groceries in the trunk of the car.

Advanced Usage

• "Trunk line": A main line in a railway, telephone, or other network system.
  • The new fiber-optic cable will be part of the national trunk line.
• "Swimming trunks": A garment worn for swimming, covering the hips and upper thighs.
  • He forgot to pack his swimming trunks for the beach trip.

Variants and Related Words

• Trunkful (n): An amount that fills a trunk.
  • He brought a trunkful of books to the new house.
• Trunkless (adj): Lacking a trunk.
  • The statue was found trunkless, with only the head remaining.

Synonyms

• Stem (for a tree): The main ascending axis of a plant.
• Torso (for the body): The trunk of the human body.
• Proboscis (for an elephant): A long, flexible snout.
• Boot (British English, for a car compartment): The storage area of a car.
• Chest (for luggage): A large, strong box.

Related Phrases

• "Pack one's trunk": To prepare for a journey by packing one's luggage.
  • It's time to pack my trunk for the long voyage.
• "Trunk road": A main road, especially one that is part of a national network.
  • The accident caused a major traffic jam on the trunk road.

Related Idioms

• "The elephant in the room": While not containing the word "trunk," this idiom is conceptually related to elephants. It refers to a major problem or controversial issue that is obviously present but avoided as a subject for discussion.
  • We need to address the elephant in the room: our declining sales.

Noun

1. a long flexible snout as of an elephant
2. compartment in an automobile that carries luggage or shopping or tools
   • he put his golf bag in the trunk
3. the body excluding the head and neck and limbs
   • they moved their arms and legs and bodies
4. luggage consisting of a large strong case used when traveling or for storage
5. the main stem of a tree; usually covered with bark; the bole is usually the part that is commercially useful for lumber