canister

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a metallic cylinder packed with shot and used as ammunition in a firearm
  2. noun metal container for storing dry foods such as tea or flour

Etymology

From Middle English canustyr (“basket”), a borrowing from Latin canistrum. Doublet of canaster and knaster. * (metal receptacle): Through influence of unrelated can. * (projectile): Short for canister shot, so called for its casing.

In classic literature

Synonyms

case shot, canister shot

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