Main Entry: can·is·ter

Variant(s): also can·nis·ter \ˈka-nə-stər\

Function: noun

Etymology: Latin canistrum basket, from Greek kanastron wicker basket, from kanna reed — more at cane

Date: 1692

1 : an often cylindrical container for holding a usually specified object or substance <a film canister>
2 : encased shot for close-range artillery fire
3 : a perforated metal box for gas masks with material to adsorb, filter, or detoxify airborne poisons and irritants