Definition

Noun: 1. A chemical element: A reddish-brown metal that is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat. It is ductile (can be drawn into wires) and malleable (can be hammered into thin sheets). It is represented by the symbol Cu (from Latin cuprum) and has atomic number 29. 2. Coins made of this metal: A small amount of money, especially in the form of low-value coins. Example: "I only had a few coppers in my pocket."

Usage and Examples

• As a chemical element/material:
  • The statue was made of solid copper.
  • Copper wiring is commonly used in household electrical systems.
  • Chile is a major producer of copper.
• Referring to coins or small change (often plural: ):
  • He fished some coppers out of his pocket to pay for the newspaper.
  • In older times, pennies were made of copper.

Advanced Usage and Meanings

• "To copper" (verb, informal): To cover, coat, or sheathe with copper.
  • They decided to copper the bottom of the ship to protect it.
• "Copper" as a color: A reddish-brown color resembling the metal.
  • She had beautiful copper-colored hair.

Variants and Related Words

• Copperplate (n): A polished copper plate for engraving or etching; a style of formal handwriting.
• Coppersmith (n): A person who makes things out of copper.
• Copper-bottomed (adj): Literally, having a bottom sheathed in copper (for ships); figuratively, thoroughly reliable or genuine.
• Cupric (adj): Relating to or containing copper, especially with a valence of two.
• Cuprous (adj): Relating to or containing copper, especially with a valence of one.

Synonyms

• Metal (general category)
• Conductor (referring to its electrical/thermal properties)
• Change, small change, loose change (for the coin meaning)

Idioms and Phrases

• A copper's nark / A copper: (British, informal, often derogatory) An informer for the police. (Note: This is distinct from the metal and derives from a different slang use of "copper" meaning police officer).
• Not a copper / Not a brass farthing: To have no money at all.
  • After paying the bills, I didn't have a copper left.

Noun

1. a ductile malleable reddish-brown corrosion-resistant diamagnetic metallic element; occurs in various minerals but is the only metal that occurs abundantly in large masses; used as an electrical and thermal conductor