tin
UK: tɪn | US: tɪn
n. 1. A silvery-white, malleable metallic element (Sn) used in alloys and plating.
n. 2. A container made of tinplate or a similar metal.
vt. To coat or plate with tin.
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The word "tin" traces back to Old English tin, derived from Proto-Germanic tinom. Unlike many metals named from Latin or Greek roots (e.g., "iron" from isarnon), "tin" retains its compact Germanic form. Its linguistic simplicity reflects its ancient, widespread use in Northern Europe, where it was mined and traded since prehistoric times. The word’s stability across Germanic languages (e.g., Dutch tin, German Zinn) underscores its deep-rooted, practical role in early metallurgy.
The artisan crafted a delicate bracelet from pure tin.
She stored cookies in an old tin to keep them fresh.
Ancient civilizations alloyed copper with tin to create bronze.
The factory tins steel sheets to prevent rust.
Archaeologists found a Roman-era tin vessel at the site.