What is "can opener"

alt. 1 A device used to open tin cans, usually by slicing the lid off. 2 (context roller derby English) A shoulder hit to the chest, usually accomplished while moving from a crouched to a standing position. n. 1 A device used to open tin cans, usually by slicing the lid off. 2 (context roller derby English) A shoulder hit to the chest, usually accomplished while moving from a crouched to a standing position.

n. a device for cutting cans open [syn: tin opener]

A can opener (in North American English and Australian English) or tin opener (in British and Commonwealth English) is a device used to open tin cans ( metal cans). Although preservation of food using tin cans had been practiced since at least 1772 in the Netherlands, the first can openers were not patented until 1855 in England and 1858 in the United States. These early openers were basically variations of a knife, though the 1855 design continues to be produced. The first can opener consisting of the now familiar sharp rotating cutting wheel was invented in 1870 but was considered too difficult to operate for the ordinary consumer. A breakthrough design came in 1925 when a second, serrated wheel was added to hold the cutting wheel on the ring of the can. This easy to use design has become one of the most popular can opener models.

Around the time of World War II, several can openers were developed for military use, such as the American P-38 and P-51. These featured a robust and simple design where a folding cutting blade and absence of a handle significantly reduced the opener size. Electric can openers were introduced in the late 1950s and met with success. The development of new can opener types continues with the recent addition of a side-cutting model.