D'étain (en. Tin)

/de.tɛ̃/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

Definition: Alloy of metal, primarily composed of tin.

Example Sentence: The sculptures are made of tin for their lightness.

Les sculptures sont faites d'étain pour leur légèreté.

Definition: Traditionally used for plates and other utensils.

Example Sentence: She inherited a tin service from her grandmother.

Elle a hérité d'un service en étain de sa grand-mère.

Definition: Tin is also a chemical element, symbol Sn, used in alloys.

Example Sentence: Tin is often used in soldering.

L'étain est souvent utilisé dans les soudures.

Etymology/Origin: The word 'tin' derives from the Latin 'stannum'.

Common Phrase: to make of tin

Meaning: To create something simple yet durable.

faire d'étain

Common Phrase: object in tin

Meaning: A product made with this alloy for its sturdiness.

objet en étain

Related Word: metallic

Description: Relating to a metal or a substance that contains metals.

métallique

Related Word: soldering

Description: Union of two metal pieces by fusion.

soudures

Slang Meaning: An expression referring to something obsolete or out of style.

Slang Example: This project is as outdated as a tin vase.

Ce projet est aussi dépassé qu'un vase en étain.

Slang Meaning: Used to describe a personality that lacks warmth or liveliness.

Slang Example: She is nice, but sometimes a bit tin.

Elle est sympathique, mais parfois un peu en étain.