The term canister comes from Latin (canistrum = basket) or Greek (κάναστρον = wicker basket, or earthenware container). It means:
- Originally, from Greek κάννα (= reed, cane, anything made of reeds), a basket of woven reeds
- Now commonly, any container that is roughly cylindrical in shape.
- The abbreviated form "can" refers more specifically to a metal canister.
- A container for 35mm film for use in cameras
- Pods used for parachute supply drops
- Gas containers used for riot control and on the contrary :
- A perforated metal box which is part of a gas mask
- The carbon dioxide scrubber of a rebreather
- The filter which absorbs gasoline vapour in a car tank
- A cylindrical bell worn by sheep, that was traditionally used in Sussex, England, especially on the South Downs.
- Canister shot or case-shot, which were types of artillery rounds used in warfare as anti-personnel ammunition