Tin

[A-S., Icel., Dan., & D. tin, L. Ger. tinn, Sw. tenn, O. H. Ger. zin, N. H. Ger. zinn; Ir. stan, Gael. staoin, Armor. stean, sten, Corn. staen, W. ystæen, Lat. stannum, L. Lat. stagnum, It. stagno, Sp. estaño, Pg. estanho, Pr. estanh, O. Fr. estain, N. Fr. étain.]

1Sense 1. (Chem.) A white, soft, non-elastic metal, very malleable, and, when a bar of it is bent near the ear, distinguished by a crackling sound, called the cry of tin. It fuses at 442° Fahrenheit, and has a specific gravity of 7.3.

☞ Alloyed with lead, it forms pewter and solder; with small proportions of antimony, copper, and bismuth, it forms block-tin, britannia, &c.; and united with copper in different proportions, it forms bronze, bell-metal, and speculum-metal. Tinfoil, coated with quicksilver, forms the reflecting surface of glass mirrors.

2Sense 2. Thin plates of iron covered with tin.

3Sense 3. Money. [Cant.] Bulwer.

v. t. [imp. & p. p. TINNED; p. pr. & vb. n. TINNING.] To cover with tin or tinned iron, or to overlay with tin-foil.