2 definitions found From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]: canister noun 1: a metallic cylinder packed with shot and used as ammunition in a firearm [syn: {case shot}, {canister shot}] 2: metal container for storing dry foods such as tea or flour [syn: {cannister}, {tin}] From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]: Canister \Can"is*ter\ (k[a^]n"[i^]s*t[~e]r), noun [L. canistrum a basket woven from reeds Gr. ?, fr. ka'nh, ka'nna reed; cf. F. canistre. See {Cane}, and {Canaster}.] 1. A small basket of rushes, reeds, or willow 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}.

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