copper

noun, often attributive cop·per \ ˈkä-pər \

Definition of copper

1 : a common reddish metallic element that is ductile and malleable and is one of the best conductors of heat and electricity — see Chemical Elements Table

2 : a coin or token made of copper or bronze

3 chiefly British : a large boiler (as for cooking)

4 : any of a subfamily (Lycaeninae of the family Lycaenidae) of small butterflies with usually copper-colored wings

Origin and Etymology of copper

Middle English coper, from Old English, from Late Latin cuprum copper, from Latin (aes) Cyprium, literally, Cyprian metal

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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copper

verb

Definition of copper

coppered; coppering play \ˈkä-p(ə-)riŋ\

transitive verb

: to coat or sheathe with or as if with copper

First Known Use of copper

1530

in the meaning defined above

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NEW! Time Traveler

copper

noun

Definition of copper

: police officer

Origin and Etymology of copper

²cop

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1846

in the meaning defined above

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COPPER Defined for Kids

copper

noun cop·per \ ˈkä-pər \

Definition of copper for Students

1 : a tough reddish metallic chemical element that is one of the best conductors of heat and electricity

2 : a reddish brown color

copper hair

Medical Dictionary

copper

noun, often attributive cop·per \ ˈkäp-ər \

medical Definition of copper

: a common reddish metallic element that is ductile and malleable and one of the best conductors of heat and electricity —symbol Cu — see Chemical Elements Table

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