trough

noun
  1. A long, narrow open container for animals to eat or drink out of. noun
    The farmer filled the trough with water for the cattle.
    The pigs gathered around the trough for their morning meal.
  2. A channel used to convey a liquid. noun
    The rainwater flowed down the trough to the garden.
    The irrigation system included a trough to distribute water evenly.
  3. A low point in a cycle or series, especially in economics or meteorology. noun
    The economy is currently in a trough, but experts predict a recovery soon.
    The weather forecast indicated a trough of low pressure moving in from the west.
  4. A long, narrow depression or hollow, such as between waves or hills. noun
    The ship rocked as it passed through the trough between the waves.
    Hikers descended into the trough before climbing the next peak.