copper Hear it!

copper1 definition

cop·per (käpər)

noun pl. copper -·per or coppers -·pers

  1. a reddish-brown, malleable, ductile, metallic element that is corrosion-resistant and an excellent conductor of electricity and heat: symbol, Cu; at. no., 29
  2. Now Chiefly Brit.
    1. a coin of copper or bronze, as a penny
    2. a large metal container or boiler, orig. of copper
  3. the color of copper; reddish brown
  4. any of various small, copper-colored butterflies (family Lycaenidae) found in temperate regions

Etymology: ME & OE coper < LL cuprum, contr. < Cyprium (aes), Cyprian (brass), copper, after Gr Kyprios, Cyprus, noted for its copper mines

adjective

  1. of copper
  2. copper-colored; reddish-brown

transitive verb

  1. to cover or coat with copper
  2. Etymology: from use of a copper coin to indicate such a bet in faro

    Slang to bet against (another's bet)

Related Forms:

copper2 definition

cop·per (käpər)

noun

Slang a policeman

Etymology: prob. < cop

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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