Definition

1. Noun:
   • A duplicate made using carbon paper: A "carbon copy" is an exact copy of a document, originally produced by placing carbon paper between sheets of paper while typing or writing, so that the pressure creates a copy on the sheet beneath.
   • An exact duplicate or replica: By extension, "carbon copy" refers to any person or thing that is identical or very similar to another.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Before photocopiers, secretaries made a carbon copy of every typed letter for the files.
  • The new building is a carbon copy of the one built downtown last year.
  • He's a carbon copy of his father at the same age.

Advanced Usage

• "cc" (abbreviation): In email and business correspondence, "cc" stands for "carbon copy." It is used to indicate that a copy of a message is being sent to additional recipients.
  • Please cc the manager on all client emails.
• "bcc" (abbreviation): Stands for "blind carbon copy." It sends a copy to recipients whose addresses are not visible to the other recipients.
  • Use bcc when sending a newsletter to protect subscribers' privacy.

Variants and Related Words

• Carbon paper (n): A thin paper coated with a dark, waxy pigment, used to make carbon copies.
  • We ran out of carbon paper for the typewriter.
• Photocopy (n): A copy made by a photographic process, especially using a photocopier. (A modern equivalent).
  • Make a photocopy of your passport for our records.

Synonyms

• Duplicate: An identical copy.
• Replica: A close or exact copy, especially of a work of art.
• Facsimile: An exact copy, especially of written or printed material.
• Double: A person or thing that looks exactly like another.

Related Phrases

• To be a carbon copy of someone/something: To be extremely or exactly similar.
  • Her proposal was a carbon copy of the one submitted last month.

Noun

1. a copy made with carbon paper