étain

tin

noun eh-TAN Rare

Origin: Old French estain, from Latin stagnum, alloy of silver and lead

Also means

pewter

Usage Note

Étain denotes the metal tin (chemical symbol Sn) as well as the pewter alloy traditionally used for tableware. Un pot en étain (a pewter pot) is a common antique object. Do not confuse with éteindre (to extinguish), which sounds similar.

Examples

"Ce vieux gobelet est en étain."

Natural Translation

This old goblet is made of pewter.

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