Definition of can opener

The word "can opener" originated in the late 19th century as a direct result of the increasing popularity of canned foods. This era saw significant advances in food preservation and packaging techniques, allowing food to be shipped and stored for longer periods of time. Canned goods, in particular, became a popular choice due to their convenience and durability. To open these cans, people initially used simple tools like knives, spoons, or church keys (long, thin, goose-necked keys used for opening bottles). These methods were time-consuming, often requiring multiple steps and sometimes causing injuries. In the early 1890s, a German inventor, Lukas Heinrich Amadeus Bolz, patented the first can opener specifically designed for canned foods. This device, known as the "opener for tin cans," consisted of a wheel-like blade that perforated the top of the can, allowing for easy removal of the lid. The word "can opener" itself became popular during this time and was officially included in the Oxford English Dictionary in 1895. Today, the term refers to a variety of devices, including handheld and electric can openers, as well as specialized machinery used in commercial food processing plants. The invention of can openers has not only made opening canned goods easier and safer but has also contributed to the significant growth of the canned food industry, which continues to be a major player in global food production and distribution today.