copper
copper Lexical Profile
copper Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A ductile, malleable, reddish-brown metallic element (symbol Cu) that is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity.
"The electrician installed copper wiring throughout the newly renovated building due to its superior conductivity."
British A police officer.
"The local coppers patrolled the neighborhood on foot to ensure the street festival remained safe and peaceful."
A coin made of copper or a copper-based alloy, such as a penny.
"He dug deep into his pockets and pulled out a handful of coppers to pay for the daily newspaper."
• verb
To coat, cover, or sheathe with copper.
"Historically, shipbuilders would copper the hulls of wooden sailing ships to protect them from marine borers and weeds."
• Rhymes for copper
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The word for the metal comes from Old English 'coper', derived from Late Latin 'cuprum', which was shortened from 'aes Cyprium' meaning 'metal of Cyprus', as the island was a major source of the metal for the Romans. The informal term for a police officer evolved separately in the 19th century from the verb 'cop' (to catch) combined with the suffix '-er'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.