Trough

/trɔːf/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A long, narrow open container for animals to eat or drink from.

The farmer filled the trough with fresh water for the pigs.

A channel or depression, particularly one where water collects.

The rainwater flowed down into the trough formed by the drainage system.

A low point in a wave or a fluctuating condition.

The stock market reached a trough before beginning to rise again.

In meteorology, a low-pressure area in a weather pattern.

The trough in the atmosphere brought cooler temperatures and rain.

Old English 'troh', related to Old Norse 'troggja' meaning 'trough'.

trough of despair

A period of feeling hopeless and low.

peak and trough

A pattern of highs and lows.

troughing

The act of forming or creating a trough.

troughlike

Resembling a trough in shape or form.

To hit a rough patch.

He's been in the trough lately with work.

To be in a low or depressed mood.

After that bad news, he's really been in the trough.