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Meaning of can in English

  1. Pronunciation

    /kæn/

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  1. 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. 2. terminate the employment of

    Examples

    • « The boss fired his secretary today »
    • « The company terminated 25% of its workers »

    Antonyms

    • hire
    • engage
    • employ
  3. 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.
  4. 2. the quantity contained in a can
  5. 3. a buoy with a round bottom and conical top
  6. 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? »
  7. 5. a plumbing fixture for defecation and urination
  8. 6. a room equipped with toilet facilities

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