ENGLISH
REFERENCE

trunk

n.
US //ˈtɹəŋk// UK //tɹˈʌŋk// trunk
  1. 1 tree part (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Science

    the main wooden stem of a tree, from which the branches grow.

    the main woody axis of a tree, as distinct from the branches and roots.

    Example

    The old oak tree has a very thick trunk that two people cannot wrap their arms around.

    Example

    The rough bark of the trunk protects the tree's internal vascular system from extreme temperatures and physical damage.
  2. 2 elephant's nose (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Biology

    the long, flexible nose of an elephant.

    the elongated, prehensile proboscis of an elephant, used for breathing, smelling, and grasping.

    Example

    The elephant used its trunk to pick up a single peanut from the ground.

    Example

    An elephant's trunk contains tens of thousands of individual muscles, allowing for both immense strength and delicate precision.
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  1. 3 car storage (n.)
    B1 Intermediate American English

    the space at the back of a car where you put bags and luggage.

    the luggage compartment of an automobile, typically located at the rear.

    Example

    We managed to fit all four suitcases into the trunk of the car.

    Example

    The driver popped the trunk to reveal a spare tyre and a set of emergency tools neatly tucked away.

    Usage

    In British English, this part of the car is called the 'boot'.
  2. 4 storage chest (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a large, strong box with a lid, used for storing or moving clothes and personal items.

    a large, sturdy container with a hinged lid, used for long-term storage or transport of personal effects.

    Example

    Grandmother kept her old wedding dress in a heavy wooden trunk in the attic.

    Example

    The steamer trunk was covered in vintage travel stickers from various European ports visited during the 1920s.
  3. 5 human body (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    the main part of the human body, not including the head, arms, or legs.

    the human body excluding the head and limbs; the torso.

    Example

    The athlete has a very strong trunk, which helps him stay balanced while running.

    Example

    The surgeon noted that the shrapnel had only affected the patient's limbs, leaving the vital organs in the trunk unharmed.
  4. 6 swimming shorts (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    shorts that men wear for swimming.

    shorts worn by men for swimming or other aquatic activities.

    Example

    Don't forget to pack your swimming trunks for the beach trip.

    Example

    He emerged from the pool and wrapped a towel around his waist over his wet trunks.

    Usage

    Usually used in the plural form: 'swimming trunks' or just 'trunks'.
Origin

From Middle English tronke, trunke, from Old French tronc (“alms box, tree trunk, headless body”), from Latin truncus (“a stock, lopped tree trunk”), from truncus (“cut off, maimed, mutilated”). For the verb, compare French tronquer, and see truncate. Doublet of truncus and tronk.

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