can
1. can \k*n, (')kan sometimes k*n\ \k*d, (')ku.d\ vb or could; or can [ME
(1st & 3d sing. pres. indic.), fr. OE; akin to OHG kan (1st & 3d sing] past
pres sing & pl . pres. indic.) know, am able, OE cna-wan to know - more at
KNOW obs 1: KNOW, UNDERSTAND 2: to be able to do, make, or accomplish
archaic : to have knowledge or skill 1a: know how to {he ~ read} 1b: be
physically or mentally able to {he ~ lift 200 pounds} 1c: may perhaps {do
you think he ~ still be living} 1d: be permitted by conscience or feeling
to {~ hardly blame him> 1e: be inherently able or designed to {everything
that money ~ buy } 1f: be logically or axiologically able to {2 + 2 ~ also
be written 3 + 1} 1g: be enabled by law, agreement, or custom to 2: have
permission to - used interchangeable with may {you ~)R go now if you like}
2. can \'kan\ n [ME canne, fr. OE; akin to OHG channa] 1: a usu.
cylindrical receptacle : 1a: a vessel for holding liquids; specif : a
drinking vessel 1b: a cylindrical metal receptacle usu. with an open top,
often with a remo vable cover, and sometimes with a spout or side handles
(as for holding milk, oil, coffee, tobacco, ashes, or garbage) 1c: a
tinplate container in which perishable foods or other products are he
rmetically sealed for preservation until use - called also tin 1d: a jar
for packing or preserving fruit or vegetables slang 2: JAIL 3: DEPTH
CHARGE 4: DESTROYER
3. can \'kan\ vt or canned; or can.ning 1a: to put in a can : preserve by
sealing in airtight cans or jars 1b: to hit (a golf ball) into the cup
slang 2: to expel from school : discharge from employment slang 3: to
put a stop or end to 4: to record on discs or tape {canned music} -
can.ner n
Webster's English Dictionary