n.
Variant: also can · nis · ter
Pronunciation: ' ka-n ə -st ə r
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin canistrum basket, from Greek kanastron wicker basket, from kanna reed ― more at CANE
Date: 1692
1 : an often cylindrical container for holding a usually specified object or substance <a film canister >
2 : encased shot for close-range artillery fire
3 : a perforated metal box for gas masks with material to adsorb, filter, or detoxify airborne poisons and irritants