half-ton
UK[ˌhɑːf ˈtʌn]US[ˌhæf ˈtʌn]
n
a unit of weight or capacity equal to 1,000 pounds (approximately 453.6 kilograms).
n
a truck or other vehicle designed to carry loads up to half a ton.
Morpheme Breakdown
half
ton
half
one of two equal parts
ton
unit of weight
Etymology
the compound 'half-ton' is a straightforward modern english formation, combining two native english elements. 'half' derives from old english 'healf', meaning a side or one of two equal parts, a concept with deep proto-germanic roots. 'ton' entered english from old english 'tunne', originally referring to a large cask, but its meaning shifted via the concept of a 'tun weight'—the amount a cask could hold—to become a standard unit of mass. when combined, the literal meaning 'half of a ton' accurately describes both a specific weight measurement and, by metonymy, vehicles rated to carry such a load.
Analysis
Structure: half (one of two equal parts) + ton (unit of weight)
half (old english, meaning 'side, part'); ton (old english, from tunne 'cask, tun', later a unit of weight).
Examples
the pickup truck is a popular half-ton model used for both work and leisure.
the shipment weighed just under a half-ton, so standard freight rates applied.
he upgraded from a half-ton to a three-quarter-ton truck for heavier towing.