Definition

Noun: A handheld or electric tool specifically designed to cut open the metal lids of sealed cans.

Usage

The term "can opener" refers to the tool itself. It is typically used as a direct object following a verb like "use," "grab," or "invent." * This can opener is very sharp. * I need to use the can opener for this soup. * She couldn't find the can opener anywhere.

Examples

• The manual can opener requires you to turn a handle.
• An electric can opener makes the task much easier.
• Before the invention of the modern can opener, people used knives or chisels, which was dangerous.

Advanced Usage

• "can-opener" (hyphenated form): Often used as a compound modifier before another noun.
  • The can-opener mechanism is simple yet effective.

Variants and Related Words

• Tin opener: A synonym commonly used in British English.
• Opener: A more general term for any device that opens something (e.g., bottle opener, letter opener). In context, "opener" can sometimes refer to a can opener.

Synonyms

• Tin opener

Noun

1. a device for cutting cans open