Tin

/tɪn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A silvery-white metal, resistant to corrosion, often used to coat other metals to prevent rusting.

The tools were made of tin, ensuring they would not rust easily.

A container, typically made of metal or tin, used for storing food or other items.

She opened a tin of cookies to share with her guests.

The chemical element with the symbol Sn and atomic number 50.

Tin is commonly used in soldering electronic components.

verb

To cover something with a layer of tin.

The workers will tin the rooftops to protect them from rain.

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

tin can:

A metal container, typically used for food storage.

tin foil:

A thin sheet of aluminum used for wrapping food.

tin ear:

An inability to perceive musical pitch accurately.

A derogatory term for something of low quality or worth.

That movie was pure tin.

Referring to a cheap, low-class vehicle.

He's driving that old tin can down the street.