ton
UK: tʌn | US: tʌn
n. a unit of weight equal to 2,000 pounds (short ton) or 2,240 pounds (long ton)
n. (informal) a large amount or quantity
n. (metric ton) a unit of mass equal to 1,000 kilograms
The word "ton" originates from the Old English tunne, meaning a large cask or barrel, which was later used to measure the capacity of ships. By the 17th century, it evolved to denote a specific weight, influenced by the French tonne (large barrel) and Latin tunna. The modern usage reflects its maritime roots, where cargo was measured by the space it occupied in "tuns."
The truck carried a ton of gravel for the construction site.
She has a ton of work to finish before the deadline.
The ship's cargo weighed over 10 metric tons.
(Informal) I have a ton of respect for her dedication.
The factory produces several tons of steel each day.