n.1 the main stem of a tree as distinct from its branches and roots.
2 a person's or animal's body apart from the limbs and head.
3 the main part of any structure.
4 a large box with a hinged lid for transporting luggage, clothes, etc.
5 US the luggage compartment of a motor car.
6 an elephant's elongated prehensile nose.
7 (in pl.) men's close-fitting shorts worn for swimming, boxing, etc.
8 the main body of an artery, nerve, etc.
9 an enclosed shaft or conduit for cables, ventilation, etc.
Phrases and idioms:
trunk call esp. Brit. a telephone call on a trunk line with charges made according to distance. trunk line a main line of a railway, telephone system, etc. trunk road esp. Brit. an important main road.
Derivatives:
trunkful n. (pl. -fuls). trunkless adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF tronc f. L truncus