ENGLISH
REFERENCE

tin

n. · adj. · v.
US //ˈtɪn// UK //tˈɪn// tin
  1. 1 the metal element (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    a soft, silver-colored metal that does not rust easily.

    a malleable, ductile, metallic element (atomic number 50) used primarily to coat other metals to prevent corrosion.

    Example

    The roof was made of corrugated tin that rattled when it rained.

    Example

    The alloy consists primarily of copper, with a small percentage of tin added to increase the hardness of the final product.
    • stannum
  2. 2 food container (n.)
    B1 Intermediate British English

    a metal container used for keeping food fresh for a long time.

    an airtight metal container, typically made of tin-plated steel, used for the preservation of food or liquids.

    Example

    He opened a tin of soup for a quick lunch.

    Example

    The pantry was stocked with various tins of preserved vegetables and fruit in case of an emergency.
    Pitfall
    I bought a tin of beans.
    I bought a can of beans.

    In American English, 'can' is the standard word; 'tin' is primarily used in British English for food containers.

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  1. 3 baking pan (n.)
    B1 Intermediate British English Cooking

    a metal pan used for baking cakes or bread.

    a metal container or tray used in the preparation and baking of food.

    Example

    Grease the cake tin thoroughly before pouring in the batter.

    Example

    She placed the loaf tin in the center of the oven to ensure the bread baked evenly on all sides.
  2. 4 made of tin (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    made from the metal tin or a similar cheap metal.

    composed of or plated with tin; often used to describe items made of thin, inexpensive sheet metal.

    Example

    The child played with a small tin soldier on the rug.

    Example

    The old shed was covered in tin sheets that had begun to rust at the edges after years of exposure.
  3. 5 to coat with metal (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Technical

    to cover a surface with a thin layer of tin or solder.

    to coat or plate a surface with tin or a tin alloy, often as a preparation for soldering.

    Example

    You should tin the tip of the soldering iron before you start working.

    Example

    The technician carefully tinned the copper wires to ensure a reliable electrical connection during the assembly process.
Origin

From Middle English tin, from Old English tin, from Proto-West Germanic tin, from Proto-Germanic tiną.

Idioms2 entries

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