Ton

Ton is any of several units of measure of mass, volume or force. It has a long history and has acquired several meanings and uses.

As a unit of mass, ''ton'' can mean: * the ''long ton'', which is * the ''short ton'', which is * the ''tonne'', also called the ''metric ton'', which is ) or 1 megagram.

Its original use as a unit of volume has continued in the capacity of cargo ships and in units such as the ''freight ton'' and a number of other units, ranging from in size. Recent specialized uses include the ton as a means of truck classification. It can also be used as a unit of energy, or in refrigeration as a unit of power, sometimes called a ''ton of refrigeration''.

Because the ton (of any system of measuring weight) is usually the heaviest unit named in colloquial speech, its name also has figurative uses, singular and plural, informally meaning a large amount or quantity, or to a great degree, as in "There's a ton of bees in this hive," "We have tons of homework," and "I love you a ton." Provided by Wikipedia