First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1tin
noun \ˈtin\
: a soft, shiny, bluish-white metal that has many different uses
: a container or plate made of metal
: a decorative metal box with a cover or lid
Full 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
2
a : a box, can, pan, vessel, or a sheet made of tinplate; broadly : such a container of any metal (as aluminum) b : a metal container and its contents <a tin of tomatoes>
— tin adjective
— tin·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun
See tin defined for English-language learners
See tin defined for kids
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Origin of TIN
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German zin tin
2tin
transitive verb
tinnedtin·ning
Definition of TIN
1
: to cover or plate with tin or a tin alloy
2
: to put up or pack in tins : can <tinned peaches>
First Known Use of TIN
14th century
TIN
abbreviation
Definition of TIN
taxpayer identification number
TINNED Defined for Kids
tin
noun \ˈtin\
Definition of TIN for Kids
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>
Medical Dictionary
tin
noun \ˈtin\
Medical Definition of TIN
: 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
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