Collins English-English Dictionary

can [kæn]

1. 1. vi. [takes an infinitive without to or an implied infinitive] [intr] used as an auxiliary to indicate ability, skill, or fitness to perform a task

   I can run a mile in under four minutes

2. 2. vi. used as an auxiliary to indicate permission or the right to something

   can I have a drink?

3. 3. vi. used as an auxiliary to indicate knowledge of how to do something

   he can speak three languages fluently

4. 4. vi. used as an auxiliary to indicate the possibility, opportunity, or likelihood

   my trainer says I can win the race if I really work hard

5. 5. vi. [Etymology] Old English cunnan; related to Old Norse kunna, Old High German kunnan, Latin cognoscere to know, Sanskrit janati he knows; see ken, uncouth

can [kæn]

1. 1. n a container, esp for liquids, usually of thin sheet metal

   a petrol can

   beer can

2. 2. n canful the contents of a can or the amount a can will hold

3. 3. n another name (esp US) for tin

4. 4. n a slang word for prison

5. 5. n a slang word for toilet

6. 6. n a slang word for destroyer

7. 7. n [US and Canadian] [US] [navy] [naval] [slang] a depth charge

8. 8. n a shallow cylindrical metal container of varying size used for storing and handling film

9. 9. n See carry

10. 10. vb to put (food, etc) into a can or cans; preserve in a can

11. 11. vt. [tr] [US] [slang] to dismiss from a job

12. 12. vt. [tr] [US] [informal] to stop (doing something annoying or making an annoying noise) (esp in the phrase can it!)

13. 13. vt. [tr] [informal] to reject or discard

14. 14. vt. [Etymology] Old English canne; related to Old Norse, Old High German kanna, Irish gann, Swedish kana sled