Ashcan: meaning, definitions and examples
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ashcan
[ ˈæʃ.kæn ]
garbage container
An ashcan is a container used for disposing of ashes and other waste materials, typically associated with outdoor or industrial use. It is often made of metal or heavy-duty plastic and is designed to withstand high temperatures. Ashcans are commonly found in public areas, where they serve to keep spaces clean and safe.
Synonyms
garbage can, rubbish bin, trash can.
Examples of usage
- Please throw your cigarette butts in the ashcan.
- The park had several ashcans for visitors to dispose of their waste.
- He emptied the ashcan after the barbecue party.
- Make sure the ashes are cool before dumping them in the ashcan.
Translations
Translations of the word "ashcan" in other languages:
🇵🇹 caçamba de lixo
🇮🇳 कचरा डिब्बा
🇩🇪 Mülltonne
🇮🇩 tempat sampah
🇺🇦 сміттєвий бак
🇵🇱 kosz na śmieci
🇯🇵 ゴミ箱
🇫🇷 poubelle
🇪🇸 cubos de basura
🇹🇷 çöp kutusu
🇰🇷 쓰레기통
🇸🇦 صندوق القمامة
🇨🇿 popelnice
🇸🇰 odpadkový kôš
🇨🇳 垃圾桶
🇸🇮 koš za smeti
🇮🇸 sorpukur
🇰🇿 қоқыс контейнері
🇬🇪 სარეცხი ვედრო
🇦🇿 tullantı qutusu
🇲🇽 bote de basura
Etymology
The term 'ashcan' originated in the early 20th century, deriving from the combination of 'ash,' referring to the residue from burned materials, and 'can,' which denotes a container. The concept of an ashcan reflects the increasing urbanization and industrialization of society, necessitating proper waste disposal methods. Ashcans were initially used in residences and then became a common sight in public spaces, signifying a shift towards greater attention to hygiene and cleanliness. Over time, the term has also been adopted metaphorically in art and literature, representing the idea of discarding the obsolete or underappreciated, much akin to how physical waste is disposed of. The widespread use of the word has also been influenced by various cultural references, further solidifying its place in the English language.