canister Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a metallic cylinder packed with shot and used as ammunition in a firearm
    case shot; canister shot.
  2. noun metal container for storing dry foods such as tea or flour
    tin; cannister.

WordNet

Can"is*ter noun
Etymology
L. canistrum a basket woven from reeds Gr. , fr. , reed; cf. F. canistre. See Cane, and Canaster.
Definitions
  1. A small basket of rushes, or wilow twigs, etc.
  2. A small box or case for holding tea, coffee, etc.
  3. (Mil.) A kind of case shot for cannon, in which a number of lead or iron balls in layers are inclosed in a case fitting the gun; -- called also canister shot,

Webster 1913