copper1

noun

• 1a red-brown metal, the chemical element of atomic number 29. (Symbol: Cu)

  Copper was the earliest metal to be used by humans, first by itself and then later alloyed with tin to form bronze. A ductile, easily worked metal, it is a very good conductor of heat and electricity and is used especially for electrical wiring

• 2 dated a copper coin, especially a penny:you could hire a raft for a few coppers

• 3a reddish-brown color like that of copper.

• 4 [with modifier] a small butterfly of North America and Eurasia. The upper surface of its wings is typically bright reddish-orange or purple.

  • Genus Lycaena, family Lycaenidae: numerous species, including the American copper (L. phlaeas) of the eastern US and arctic North America

verb

• cover or coat (something) with copper.