n.
Pronunciation: ' kan
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English canne, from Old English; akin to Old High German channa
Date: before 12th century
1 : a usually cylindrical receptacle: a : a vessel for holding liquids specifically : a drinking vessel b : a usually metal typically cylindrical receptacle usually with an open top, often with a removable cover, and sometimes with a spout or side handles (as for holding milk or trash) c : a container (as of tinplate) in which products (as perishable foods) are hermetically sealed for preservation until use d : a jar for packing or preserving fruit or vegetables
2 : JAIL
3 a : TOILET b : BATHROOM 1
4 : BUTTOCKS
5 : DESTROYER 2
– can · ful \ ' kan- ˌ fu ̇ l \ noun
– in the can
of a film or videotape : completed and ready for release