~ 1
■ modal verb ( 3rd singular present ~ ; past could )
1》 be able to.
↘[with negative or in questions ] used to express doubt or surprise: he ~'t have finished.
↘used to indicate that something is typically the case: he could be very moody.
2》 be permitted to.
Origin
OE cunnan 'know'.
Usage
The use of ~ rather than may to request or express permission, as in may/~ I ask you a few questions? , is not incorrect in standard English, although some people object to it. May is, generally speaking, a more polite way of asking for something, however, and is the better choice in more formal contexts.
————————
~ 2
■ noun
1》 a cylindrical metal container, in particular one in which food or drink is hermetically sealed for storage over long periods.
2》 ( the ~ ) N. Amer. informal prison.
3》 ( the ~ ) N. Amer. informal a toilet.
4》 ( ~s ) informal headphones.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ning , ~ned )
1》 preserve in a ~.
2》 N. Amer. informal dismiss from a job or reject as inadequate.
Phrases
a ~ of worms a complicated matter likely to prove awkward or embarrassing.
in the ~ informal on tape or film and ready to be broadcast or released.
Derivatives
~ner noun
Origin
OE ~ne , either of Gmc origin or from late L. ~na .