ton

1. General: Measure of weight equal to 2,240 pounds (called long ton) now largely replaced by the metric ton (or tonne) of 1,000 kilograms (2,204.68 pounds) except in the US where the US ton or the short ton of 2,000 pounds is still in use.

2. Refrigeration: Cooling capacity of an air conditioner or refrigerator equal to 12,000 British thermal units (Btus) per hour and denotes the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.

3. Securities trading: Block of securities with the par value of $100 million.

4. Shipping: (1) Freight rate charged on the basis of weight in metric ton or tonne (1,000 kilograms or 2,200 pounds) for heavy or densely packed cargo. (2) Freight rate charged on the basis of measurement ton, freight ton, or mercantile Ton equivalent to 40 cubic feet (1.33 cubic meter) of volume for light or loosely packed cargo. (3) Registered ton or shipping ton equal to 100 cubic feet (2.832 meters) in which gross registered tonnage of a ship is expressed. See also tonnage.