Can"is*ter (kăn"&ibreve;s*t&etilde;r), n. [L. canistrum a basket woven from reeds Gr. &?;, fr. ka`nh, ka`nna reed; cf. F. canistre. See Cane, and Canaster.] 1. A small basket of rushes, reeds, or willow twigs, etc.

2. A small box or case for holding tea, coffee, etc.

3. (Mil.) A kind of case shot for cannon, in which a number of lead or iron balls in layers are inclosed in a case fitting the gun; -- called also canister shot.

• A cylindrical or rectangular container usually of lightweight metal, plastic, or laminated pasteboard used for holding a dry product (as tea, crackers, flour, matches)
  
• any of various cylindrical metal receptacles usually with a removable close-fitting top
  
• A special short range antipersonnel projectile consisting of a casing of light metal, loaded with preformed submissiles such as flechettes or steel balls. The casing is designed to open just beyond the muzzle of the weapon, dispersing the submissiles.
  
• Component of canister type protective mask containing a mechanical filter and chemical filling to filter, neutralize and/or absorb toxic chemical, biological and radiological agents.
  
• Projectile component containing colored or screening smoke or riot control agent composition.