copper1

noun

• 1 [mass noun] a 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 (coppers) British brown coins of low value made of copper or bronze.

• 3 dated a large copper or iron container for boiling laundry.

• 4 [mass noun] a reddish-brown colour like that of copper: she had copper-coloured hair

• 5 [with modifier] a small butterfly with bright reddish-brown wings.

  • Genus Lycaena, family Lycaenidae: many species

verb

• cover or coat (something) with copper: some iron hulls were sheathed with wood and then coppered (as adjective coppered)coppered pins