can opener
18
1.0
- noun
- /kæn ˈoʊpənər/
- US
:
abrelatas
- She used a manual can opener to cut the lid off the soup can.
OK, but what about that can opener?
- OK, but what about that can opener?
Examples
-
Why do you think I brought the can opener?
Fiction book (2002) -
Don't forget at least 2 can openers, in case one breaks or rusts.
Blog text (9) -
I hope you have a can opener.
-
I can get you a can opener.
-
Did you bring the can opener?
-
The only thing May Anna could operate in the kitchen was a can opener.
Fiction book (1990) -
I went to the kitchen to find Aunt Jewel showing Warren how to use an old can opener.
Fiction book (1994) -
I've been looking for the can opener, but I can't...find it!
-
Now I have two can openers that don't work and lasted about a year.
Blog text (15) -
Pots, pans, can opener, stove, all the comforts of home.
Synonyms
61
1.3
A tool used to take the cap or lid off things like bottles
1
1.3
A tool for opening metal cans
1
8.7
A small metal tool for making holes to open cans
How Easy
- US
18
1.0
- Archaic
1
8.7
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly and compositionally derived from 'can' (a metal container) + 'opener' (a tool for opening), denoting a tool that opens cans. This straightforward noun–noun compound follows a common cross-linguistic pattern and would be immediately understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituent words.
Etymology
Can opener comes from the tool's simple job: a small hand tool that cuts into the metal rim of a can and lifts the lid to free the food inside. So can opener means 'a device for opening metal cans'.