Definition of "tin" []

• A malleable, silvery metallic element obtained chiefly from cassiterite. It is used to coat other metals to prevent corrosion and is a part of numerous alloys, such as soft solder, pewter, type metal, and bronze. Atomic number 50; atomic weight 118.71; melting point 231.89°C; boiling point 2,270°C; specific gravity 7.31; valence 2, 4. See Table at element. (noun)
• Tin plate. (noun)
• A container or box made of tin plate. (noun)
• Chiefly British A container for preserved foodstuffs; a can. (noun)
• Chiefly British The contents of such a container. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Unfortunately, there are many thousands who will open a tin, take out what they want, and _leave the remainder in the tin_."
• "_bruit-tan_, "the land of tin:" the former term being supposed to be Celtic for _tin_, and the latter a termination with the sense of _land_: or than"
• "It is the fifth town allowed for the coining tin, and several of the ships called tin-ships are laden here."