tin

A crystalline, silvery metallic element obtained chiefly from cassiterite, and having two notable allotropic forms. Malleable white tin is the useful allotrope, but at temperatures below 13.2°C it slowly converts to the brittle gray allotrope. Tin is used to coat other metals to prevent corrosion and is a part of numerous alloys, such as soft solder, pewter, type metal, and bronze. Atomic number 50; atomic weight 118.71; melting point 231.93°C; boiling point 2,602°C; specific gravity (gray) 5.77, (white) 7.29; valence 2, 4. cross-reference: Periodic Table.

Tin plate.

A container or box made of tin plate.

A container for preserved foodstuffs; a can.

The contents of such a container.

To plate or coat with tin.

To preserve or pack in tins; can.

Of, relating to, or made of tin.