n.
- the main woody stem of a tree as distinct from its branches and roots.
▸the main part of an artery, nerve, or other structure from which smaller branches arise.
- a person's or animal's body apart from the limbs and head.
- the elongated, prehensile nose of an elephant.
- a large box with a hinged lid for storing or transporting clothes and other articles.
- N. Amer. the boot of a car.
-
[as modifier]
relating to the main routes of a transport or communication network:
a trunk road.
Derivative
- trunkful n.
(pl. trunkfuls)
. - trunkless adj.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. tronc, from L. truncus.