Definition of "trough" []

• A long, narrow, generally shallow receptacle for holding water or feed for animals. (noun)
• Any of various similar containers for domestic or industrial use, such as kneading or washing. (noun)
• A gutter under the eaves of a roof. (noun)
• A long, narrow depression, as between waves or ridges. (noun)
• A low point in a business cycle or on a statistical graph. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Every time I go home to visit family a trip (or 2) to the trough is a must."
• "We're expecting what we call a trough in the upper atmosphere to take this off to the right and take a sharp turn toward Florida."
• "The case for a massive boost to kick demand out of its trough is overwhelming, even if it postpones the moment of budgetary balance."