Bins are essential storage containers that are used in homes, offices, and industries to store various items. They come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, and are used to store everything from food to waste. The word bin is commonly used in everyday language, but not everyone knows its definition and meaning. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and associations of bin, as well as its synonyms and antonyms.
Definitions
A bin is a container or receptacle used to hold or store something. It can be made of various materials such as wood, plastic, or metal, and can be used for storing different types of items, including food, clothes, tools, and waste.
In the context of computing, a bin is a directory or folder where files that are no longer needed are stored temporarily before being permanently deleted.
Origin
The word bin is derived from the Old English word “binn,” which means a container or receptacle. It was first used in the 14th century to refer to a container for storing grain or other agricultural produce. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include other types of containers used for storage.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a bin is “a receptacle for holding or storing something, especially one having a lid, a narrow opening, and sometimes a handle.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a bin as “a box, frame, crib, or enclosed place used for storage.”
Associations
Bins are often associated with waste disposal and recycling. In homes, bins are used to collect and store household waste, while in public places, they are used to collect litter. Recycling bins are used to separate recyclable materials from non-recyclable waste.
Bins are also associated with storage and organization. They are used to store items in an orderly manner, making it easier to find and access them when needed.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bin include container, receptacle, box, crate, chest, and cupboard.
Antonyms
Antonyms of bin include open, exposed, and uncovered.
The same root words
The word bin has several related words with the same root, including binful (the amount that a bin can hold), binman (someone who collects and disposes of waste), and binoculars (a device with two lenses used for viewing distant objects).
Example Sentences
- The kitchen bin is full, and we need to take out the trash.
- The tools are stored in a bin in the garage.
- The files were moved to the bin before being permanently deleted.
- The recycling bin is for plastic bottles and cans only.
- He used his binoculars to get a better view of the bird.