Trunk Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ณ
trunk
[trสลk ]
Definitions
tree part
The main woody stem of a tree, as distinct from its branches and roots.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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trunk |
Commonly used to describe the main wooden part of a tree, but can also refer to the main structure of other large things, like the central part of an elephant or a car's storage compartment.
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stem |
Typically refers to the main structure of a smaller plant or the part of a plant that supports leaves and flowers. It's often used in gardening and botanical discussions.
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bole |
Primarily used in botany to describe the main trunk of a tree, especially in a more formal or scientific context.
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shaft |
Can refer to a long, narrow part of an object, often cylindrical, used in various contexts such as machinery, weapons (like arrows), or anatomy (like bones).
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Examples of usage
- The elephant used its trunk to pick up the fruit.
- She leaned against the trunk of the tree.
car part
The enclosed space at the back of a car for carrying luggage or other goods.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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trunk |
This term is commonly used in American English to refer to the enclosed space at the rear of a car where luggage is stored.
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boot |
This term is often used in British English to refer to the same part of the car as the 'trunk'.
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compartment |
This term is more general and can refer to any storage area within a vehicle or other forms of transportation or furniture. It doesnโt specify the location or type of vehicle.
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Examples of usage
- She put her suitcase in the trunk of the car.
- He opened the trunk to show the police officer the spare tire.
human body part
The main part of a human body, not including the head, arms, or legs; that is, the torso.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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trunk |
Used to refer to the main part of the human body excluding the arms, legs, and head. It is also used for describing the main part of a tree or the storage compartment of a car.
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torso |
Typically used to describe the upper body excluding the head and limbs, especially in anatomy or art contexts.
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body |
General term to describe the entire physical structure of a human or animal; can also refer to a dead person or animal.
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chest |
Refers to the front surface of a person's or animal's body between the neck and the abdomen, housing the heart and lungs.
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Examples of usage
- He had a strong build with a broad trunk and muscular arms.
- She wore a tight-fitting dress that emphasized her slender trunk.
Translations
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Origin of 'trunk'
The word 'trunk' has its origins in the Old English word 'trunc', which meant the main stem of a tree or a human body. Over time, the term expanded to include various meanings, such as the storage compartment of a car. The usage of 'trunk' to refer to the main part of a human body dates back to the 15th century. Today, 'trunk' continues to be widely used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.