Trough (noun)

1. A long, narrow container for feeding or watering livestock or birds.
2. A depression or low point in a series of fluctuations or cycles, especially a low point in an economic cycle.
3. A long, shallow container for washing or the like, especially one that is open at one end and slopes toward the other end.
4. A furrow or channel for conveying water.

Origin:

Old english trog, of germanic origin; related to dutch trechter and german trichter.

Examples:

1. The trough was filled with food for the pigs.
2. The stock market was in a trough, with prices lower than they had been in years.
3. The trough was used to wash clothes and linens in.
4. A trough carried water from the spring to the fields.
5. The trough was a convenient place to soak one's feet on a hot day.