trunk / trəngk/ • n. 1. the main woody stem of a tree as distinct from its branches and roots. ∎  the main part of an artery, nerve, or other anatomical structure from which smaller branches arise. ∎ short for trunk line. ∎  an enclosed shaft or conduit for cables or ventilation.2. a person's or animal's body apart from the limbs and head.3. the elongated, prehensile nose of an elephant.4. a large box with a hinged lid for storing or transporting clothes and other articles. ∎  the space at the back of a car for carrying luggage and other goods.DERIVATIVES: trunk·ful / -ˌfoŏl/ n. (pl. -fuls) trunk·less adj.

trunk
A. main stem of a tree XV;

B. human or animal body XV;

C. chest, box XV;

D. (assoc. partly with TRUMP1) †pipe, tube; elephant's proboscis XVI;

E. †pl. trunk-hose XVI; short breeches XIX. ME. tron(c)k — (O)F. tronc :- L. truncus. comp. trunk-hose (hist.) full bag-like, breeches. XVII.

trunk (trunk) n.
1. see truncus.

2. the body excluding the head and limbs.

trunk Another (US) name for bus.