Definition

1. Noun:
   • A smooth plate of copper that has been etched or engraved: A sheet of copper used as a surface for engraving or etching a design.
   • A print made from an engraved copperplate: An impression or copy on paper, taken from an inked, engraved copper plate.
   • A graceful style of handwriting: A formal, ornate style of cursive handwriting, historically modeled after the lettering used in engraved copperplates.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Engraved Plate):
  • The artist prepared a fresh copperplate for the new etching.
  • The intricate design was etched directly onto the copperplate.
• Noun (Print):
  • This rare copperplate of the city map is from the 18th century.
  • The museum displayed a beautiful copperplate of a botanical illustration.
• Noun (Handwriting):
  • Her invitation was written in perfect copperplate.
  • Learning copperplate calligraphy requires a special pen and practice.

Advanced Usage

• "Engraved in copperplate": Used metaphorically to describe something written or recorded in a very formal, precise, or permanent manner.
  • The terms of the treaty were as if engraved in copperplate.
• "Copperplate printing": Refers specifically to the intaglio printing process using an engraved copper plate.
  • Copperplate printing was a major technique for reproducing art and maps before photography.

Variants and Related Words

• Copperplate engraving (n): The art or process of engraving on a copper plate.
  • He specialized in copperplate engraving for book illustrations.
• Copperplated (adj): Coated with a thin layer of copper.
  • The copperplated surface gave the object a reddish shine.
• Copperplate press (n): A specific type of printing press used for intaglio printing from copper plates.

Synonyms

• Engraving: A general term for a design cut into a hard surface or a print made from it.
• Etching: A print produced by a process where a design is etched (with acid) into a metal plate.
• Calligraphy: The art of beautiful handwriting (specifically for the handwriting style meaning).

Related Phrases

• To write a copperplate hand: To write using the copperplate style of penmanship.
  • The clerk was known to write a fine copperplate hand for official documents.

Noun

1. an engraving consisting of a smooth plate of copper that has been etched or engraved
2. a print made from an engraved copperplate
3. a graceful style of handwriting based on the writing used on copperplate engravings