tin Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide
Sn; atomic number 50.
noun a vessel (box, can, pan, etc.) made of tinplate and used mainly in baking
noun metal container for storing dry foods such as tea or flour
canister; cannister.
noun airtight sealed metal container for food or drink or paint etc.
can; tin can.
verb plate with tin
verb preserve in a can or tin
put up; can.
- tinned foods are not very tasty
verb prepare (a metal) for soldering or brazing by applying a thin layer of solder to the surface

As. tin; akin to D. tin, G. zinn, OHG. zin, Icel. & Dan. tin, Sw. tenn; of unknown origin.

(Chem.) An elementary substance found as an oxide in the mineral cassiterite, and reduced as a soft white crystalline metal, malleable at ordinary temperatures, but brittle when heated. It is not easily oxidized in the air, and is used chiefly to coat iron to protect it from rusting, in the form of tin foil with mercury to form the reflective surface of mirrors, and in solder, bronze, speculum metal, and other alloys. Its compounds are designated as stannous, or stannic. Symbol Sn (Stannum). Atomic weight 117.4.
Thin plates of iron covered with tin; tin plate.
Money. Cant Beaconsfield.

imperfect & past participle Tinned ; present participle & verbal noun Tinning