trough
Plural
troughs
1
a channel along the eaves or on the roof; collects and carries away rainwater
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2
(geology) a long, narrow depression or hollow, often occurring naturally, such as in the landscape or ocean floor
- The river carved a deep trough through the canyon over millions of years, creating stunning natural landscapes.
- Glaciers can leave behind troughs in the form of U-shaped valleys as they carve through mountainous regions.
- Ocean trenches are examples of deep underwater troughs formed by the movement of tectonic plates.
- The fault line created a trough in the landscape, marking the boundary between two tectonic plates.
- The troughs and ridges of sand dunes shift continuously in the desert as a result of wind erosion and deposition.
3
a container (usually in a barn or stable) from which cattle or horses feed
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4
a long narrow shallow receptacle
5
a treasury for government funds
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6
a concave shape with an open top
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7
a period or point when activity, success, or satisfaction is at its lowest level
- After months of success, the team hit a trough in performance.
- His mood sank into a trough after hearing the bad news.
- They worked hard to recover from the trough of low demand.
- The artist faced a creative trough before finding new ideas.