Ton

(tŭn), n. [A-S. tunne, a tun, tub, a large vessel, L. Ger. tunne, H. Ger. & Fr. tonne, D. ton. See TUN.] (Com.) (a.) The weight of twenty hundred gross, or 2240 pounds. In the United States the ton is commonly estimated at 2000 pounds, this being sometimes called the short ton. (b.) A certain weight or space,—in the latter case about forty cubic feet,—by which the burden of a ship is estimated; as, a ship of three hundred tons, that is, a ship that will carry three hundred tons. (c.) A certain quantity of timber, consisting of forty solid feet, if round, or fifty-four feet, if square. (d.) The quantity of eight sacks, or ten barrels, of flour. Simmonds. (e.) The quantity of ten bushels of potatoes. Simmonds.

Ton and tun have the same etymology, and were formerly used interchangeably; but in present usage, ton is generally employed to designate the weight, and tun the cask. See TUN.