Tin-plate is a sheet of wrought iron or mild steel that has received a thin coating of two or three percent of tin by immersion in the molten metal to protect it from rust. Tin-plate is used in cans for food and drink. Tin-plate was first manufactured in great Britain around 1670 having been invented in Bohemia early in the 16th century.Tin plate is London Cockney rhyming slang for a friend (mate).
[n] - thin sheet metal (iron or steel) coated with tin to prevent rusting
Tinplate is low carbon mild steel coated on both top and bottom surfaces with an electrolytic deposition of tin. The deposited tin exists as alloyed and free tim and has a passivated surface as well as a coating of oil.
noun thin sheet metal (iron or steel) coated with tin to prevent rusting; used especially for cans and pots