trough

/trɔf/
noun
  1. A long, narrow, open container for holding water or food for animals.
    • The farmer filled the trough with hay for the horses.
    • Pigs were eating from a long metal trough in the pen.
    • We set out a shallow trough of water for the stray cats.
  2. A long, narrow, shallow channel or depression, such as between waves or ridges.
    • Rainwater collected in the troughs of the corrugated roof.
    • The boat sank into the trough between two huge waves.
    • The valley formed a natural trough between the mountains.
  3. A low point in a cycle or pattern, especially in economics or weather.
    • Sales hit a trough in January but recovered by spring.
    • A trough of low pressure is moving across the region, bringing rain.
    • The economy is finally coming out of a deep trough.
Antonyms