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Meaning of can in English
Pronunciation
/kæn/
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Verb
can
Etymology
Old English cunnan ‘know’ (in Middle English‘know how to’), related to Dutch kunnen and German können; from an Indo-European root shared by Latin gnoscere‘know’ and Greek gignōskein‘know’
Definitions
1.
preserve in a can or tin
Examples
« tinned foods are not very tasty »
2.
terminate the employment of
Examples
« The boss fired his secretary today »
« The company terminated 25% of its workers »
Antonyms
hire
engage
employ
Noun
can
Etymology
Old English canne, related to Dutch kan and German Kanne; either of Germanic origin or from late Latin canna
Definitions
1.
airtight sealed metal container for food or drink or paint etc.
2.
the quantity contained in a can
3.
a buoy with a round bottom and conical top
4.
the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
Examples
« he deserves a good kick in the butt »
« are you going to sit on your fanny and do nothing? »
5.
a plumbing fixture for defecation and urination
6.
a room equipped with toilet facilities