trunk etymology

Etymology:

The word "trunk" has multiple etymological origins:

  • From Old English: "trunce," meaning a stem or log.
  • From French: "tronc," derived from the Latin "truncus," also meaning a stem or log.
  • From the Iranian language: "shrunk" or "khruk," meaning "horn."

Meaning:

The term "trunk" has several meanings:

  • In botany: The main stem of a tree or woody plant.
  • In anatomy: The main body of an animal's body, without the head or limbs.
  • In travel: A large suitcase or container for transporting luggage.
  • In electrical engineering: A cable connecting multiple wires.

Origin:

The earliest known use of "trunk" in the sense of a tree's stem dates back to the 12th century in Old English. The meaning of a suitcase originated in the 18th century, and the electrical engineering sense emerged in the 19th century. The anatomical meaning has been in use since at least the 16th century.

The Iranian origin of "trunk" refers to the practice of using hollowed-out animal horns as containers for liquids or small objects. These containers were later adapted into wooden trunks for transportation.

trunk relate terms

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  • trunk

    Etymology The word trunk has multiple etymological origins From Old English trunc

  • bronco

    Etymology The word bronco comes from the Spanish word bronco meaning rough or wil

  • truncheon

    Etymology The word truncheon comes from the Old French word tronchon meaning a shor

  • proboscis

    Etymology The word proboscis is derived from the Greek word proboskis which means t

  • stock

    Etymology The word stock has several origins Old English stocc trunk of a tree

  • trebuchet

    Etymology The word trebuchet derives from the Old French word trebuchet which itself

  • trench

    Etymology The word trench comes from the Old French word trencher which means to cu

  • carcass

    Etymology The word carcass comes from the Old French word carcasse which is derived

  • abdomen

    Etymology Latin abdomen from Medieval Latin abdomen Greek ἀβδόμην abdomen

  • sear

    Etymology From Middle English sear from Old English sær from Proto Germanic _saira_

  • rase

    Etymology Old English ras bald clean shaven Middle English ras bald clean shav