Meaning of can in English

Table of contents

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 »
Derived terms
2. terminate the employment of
Examples
- « The boss fired his secretary today »
- « The company terminated 25% of its workers »
Antonyms
Derived terms
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.
Derived terms
- put up
- tin
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
Derived terms
6. a room equipped with toilet facilities

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