The main woody stem of a tree, or a large box or chest for storing or transporting belongings.
From Latin truncus meaning 'maimed, mutilated, cut off'. Originally referred to a tree stem cut off from branches and roots, later extended to describe storage containers resembling a tree trunk's cylindrical shape.
The word trunk beautifully demonstrates semantic evolution - from a botanical term for a tree's core structure to describing elephant noses (which resemble thick tree branches) and even car storage compartments. It's fascinating how one word can simultaneously evoke images of ancient forests and modern travel.
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