trough Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a narrow depression (as in the earth or between ocean waves or in the ocean bed)
  2. noun a channel along the eaves or on the roof; collects and carries away rainwater
    gutter.
  3. noun a concave shape with an open top
    bowl.
  4. noun a treasury for government funds
    till; public treasury.
  5. noun a long narrow shallow receptacle
  6. noun a container (usually in a barn or stable) from which cattle or horses feed
    manger.

WordNet

Trough noun
Etymology
OE. trough, trogh, AS. trog, troh; akin to D., G., & Icel. trog, Sw. tråg, Dan. trug; probably originally meaning, made of wood, and akin to E. tree. & 241. See Tree, and cf. Trug.
Definitions
  1. A long, hollow vessel, generally for holding water or other liquid, especially one formed by excavating a log longitudinally on one side; a long tray; also, a wooden channel for conveying water, as to a mill wheel.
  2. Any channel, receptacle, or depression, of a long and narrow shape; as, trough between two ridges, etc.

Webster 1913