can
can (kan; unstressed, kən)
auxiliary verb could
- know(s) how to
- am, are, or is able to
- am, are, or is likely or at all likely to can that be true?
- have or has the moral or legal right to
- Informal am, are, or is permitted to; may
Etymology: ME < OE, 1st & 3d pers. sing., pres. indic., of cunnan, know, have power to, be able; common Gmc < IE base *gen-, *gno- > L gnoscere, know; orig. meaning “to be able mentally or spiritually,” as distinguished from may, “to be able physically”
intransitive verb
- know(s) how
- am, are, or is able yes I can
- am, are, or is likely or at all likely
- have or has the moral or legal right
- Informal am, are, or is permitted; may
transitive verb
can but
can (kan)
noun
- a container of various kinds, usually made of metal with a separate cover a milk can, a garbage can, a can of shoe polish
- ☆ a container made of tinned iron or other metal, in which foods or other perishable products are sealed for preservation
- ☆ the amount that a can holds
- ☆ Slang
- a prison
- the buttocks
- a toilet
- tin can (sense )
Etymology: ME & OE canne, a cup, container < Gmc *kanna (> LL canna, a vessel); prob. < IE base *gan(dh), container > MIr gann, ON kani
in the can
Can
- Canada
- Canadian
- Canon
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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