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