Definition of: trunk

(trungk) noun
1. The main stem or stock of a tree, as distinguished from its branches or roots.
2. The human body, apart from the head, neck, and limbs; the torso.
3. Entomol. The thorax.
4. Anat. The main stem of a nerve, blood vessel, or lymphatic.
5. The main line of a communication or transportation system.
6. The circuit connecting two telephone exchanges.
7. The main body, line, or stem of anything, as distinct from its appendages.
8. A proboscis, as of an elephant.
9. A large box or case used for packing and carrying clothes or other articles, as for a journey.
10. A large compartment at the rear of an automobile, used for storage.
11. plural A close–fitting garment covering the loins and often part of the thighs, worn by male swimmers, athletes, etc.
12. plural Obs. Trunk hose.
13. Mech. a A trough, chute, or conduit, b A large hollow piston in which a connecting rod moves.
14. Naut. a The well for the centerboard of a vessel. b A casing connecting the hatchways of two or more decks and forming a shaft. c Any structure placed on the upper deck of a ship, as for shelter.
15. Archit. The shaft of a column. See synonyms under BODY.
—adjective Being or belonging to a trunk or main body: a trunk railroad. [<OF tronc <L truncus stem, trunk, orig. adj., mutilated; def. 8 infl. in meaning by F trompe a trumpet]