Ton

Ton, the same word as Tun (q.v.), denotes a weight of 20 hundred-weight (cwt.). In Britain the hundred-weight contains 112 lb., so that the ton contains 2240 lb. In the United States the hundred-weight is usually reckoned at 100 lb., and the ton (the 'short' ton) at 2000 lb. Ton is also a measure of capacity, varying with the substance measured—timber, wheat, gravel, lime, coke, &c. For the ton used in measuring ships, see TONNAGE.