tin

play

noun \ˈtin\

Definition of tin

1 : a soft faintly bluish-white lustrous low-melting crystalline metallic element that is malleable and ductile at ordinary temperatures and that is used especially in containers, as a protective coating, in tinfoil, and in soft solders and alloys — see element table
2a : a box, can, pan, vessel, or a sheet made of tinplate; broadly : such a container of any metal (such as aluminum)b : a metal container and its contents a tin of tomatoes

adjective

play \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German zin tin

NEW!

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

verb

;

14th century

abbreviation

play

noun

play

noun \ˈtin\

1 : a soft bluish white metallic chemical element used chiefly in combination with other metals or as a coating to protect other metals
2 : something (as a can or sheet) made from tinplate a tin of cookies

play

noun \ˈtin\

: a soft faintly bluish white lustrous low-melting crystalline metallic element that is malleable and ductile at ordinary temperatures and that is used as a protective coating, in tinfoil, and in soft solders and alloys—symbol Sn; see element table