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tain

American  
[tayn] / teɪn /

noun

  1. An image of the word tain as defined by a thin tin plate.

    a thin tin plate.

  2. tin foil for the backs of mirrors.


tain British  
/ teɪn /

noun

  1. tinfoil used in backing mirrors

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of tain

1855–60; < French: silvering, foil, aphetic variant of étain tin


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

So at a cer tain point along the way I got over it and just regarded it as a literary problem and an opportunity.

From Slate ● Feb. 6, 2020

Guest Star Harry Belafonte had overcome his initial queasiness at working with shaggy short people and had sung The Banana Boat Song with spirit, even though Cap tain Link Hogthrob pigged one of the bananas.

From Time Magazine Archive

But one thing was cer tain: General Hodges would not be moving as he was unless he could move with certainty.

From Time Magazine Archive

If Anderson can main tain 10% in the polls, Reagan figures he has the edge in electoral votes, however close the popular tally, and should go to the White House.

From Time Magazine Archive

"Your Grace," the knight said, "I bring you Quhuru Mo, cap- tain of the Cinnamon Wind out of Tall Trees Town."

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

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