trunk
n
1 [C] main stem of a tree, from which the branches grow 树干. =>illus at App 1 见附录1插图, page i.
2 [C usu sing 通常作单数]
body apart from the head, arms and legs 躯干. =>illus at human见human插图. Cf 参看 torso.
3 [C] large box with a hinged lid for storing or transporting clothes or other items 大衣箱; 大旅行箱. =>illus at luggage 见 luggage 插图.
4 [C] long nose of an elephant 象鼻.=>illus at elephant 见 elephant 插图.
5 trunks [pl]
shorts worn by men or boys for swimming, boxing, etc (男子游泳、 拳击等时穿的)短裤.
6 [C] (US) boot of a car (汽车後部的)行李箱. =>illus at App 1 见附录1插图, page xii.
🎯 考研助记
Q: Why do elephants have trunks? A: Because they don't have pockets to put things in. 为什么大象有鼻子呢,因为它们没有口袋装东西。这好象有些所答非所问。其实,回答者是利用了trunk的多义形式。因为trunk既可以是“象鼻”,又可以指“皮箱”,所以回答者为了增加幽默效果而采用了“皮箱”的意思来回答。仔细想想,也蛮有道理的。