Meaning

(uncountable, chemistry) A reddish-brown metallic chemical element (symbol Cu) with the atomic number 29; also, the metal made up of this element..

Definitions by Sense

1. (uncountable, chemistry) A reddish-brown metallic chemical element (symbol Cu) with the atomic number 29; also, the metal made up of this element.
2. The reddish-brown colour of copper (etymology 1, noun sense 1).
3. Any of various specialized items made of copper (etymology 1, noun sense 1), where the use of the metal is either necessary or traditional to the function of the item.
4. Made of copper (etymology 1, noun sense 1).
5. Having the reddish-brown colour of copper.
6. To coat or sheathe (something) with copper (etymology 1, noun sense 1).
7. To give (something) a colour by applying a copper salt.
8. (dated) To give copper coins to (someone); to pay.

Example Sentences

Men talke much […] of the Philoſophers ſtone, that it turneth copper into gold; […]

Through the clear smooth water her copper shone brightly; […]

In the Siberian Traps crustal contamination of mantle magmas is seen to cause the segregation of large volumes of sulfide, which host giant deposits of nickel, copper, and platinum group metals in associated intrusions.

[Donald] Trump's July 8 announcement of a 50% tariff on copper imports beginning August 1 sent prices surging 13% in one day, up to a record high of $5.69 per pound.

Near-synonyms: chestnut, russet

Coppers are generally good for a year, if the battery is carefully attended; they should, however, be removed before they have increased to such a size that their removal might cause the destruction of the glass jars.

Every millwright should have some soldering tools, and he ought to know how to use them. […] Coppers weighing one pound each are the smallest ever needed in a paper mill, and one 2-pound copper should be bought also. […] Having made the solder and bought "coppers," the first job is to tin them. Some coppers come already tinned. I didn't buy mine, so they surely were not tinned.

When new battery coppers are received, they should be placed where they will not be exposed to extreme heat, or to the sun, whether they are in a box or not. […] Coppers are not consumed, and their life depends largely on the manner in which they are used.

Word Forms

• coppers
• more copper
• most copper
• coppering
• coppered

Synonyms for copper

Related Words

When Should You Use Copper?

Use copper when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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