copper
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for copper, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A reddish-brown metal, chemical symbol Cu, widely used in wiring and pipes for its conductivity.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use copper
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
"Copper" for a police officer is informal British slang, roughly equivalent to "cop."
Etymology
From Old English coper, from Late Latin cuprum, itself shortened from Latin aes Cyprium ("metal of Cyprus"), an island long famous for copper mining.
Full origin of copper →Frequently asked questions
What does “copper” mean?
The word “copper” means a reddish-brown metal, chemical symbol Cu, widely used in wiring and pipes for its conductivity. In plain terms, the reddish metal, its colour, small-value coins, or (informally, especially in the UK) a police officer.
How do you pronounce “copper”?
“Copper” is pronounced KO-puh (/ˈkɒpə/ in IPA).
How do you use “copper” in a sentence?
Here is “copper” used in a sentence: “The old house still has copper plumbing.”
What part of speech is “copper”?
Depending on how it is used, “copper” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “copper” come from?
The word “copper” comes from Late Latin. From Old English coper, from Late Latin cuprum, itself shortened from Latin aes Cyprium ("metal of Cyprus"), an island long famous for copper mining.
Is “copper” a common word?
“Copper” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “copper” have?
“Copper” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a reddish-brown metal, chemical symbol Cu, widely used in wiring and pipes for its conductivity.
What is the difference between copper and bronze?
Copper is a pure reddish-brown metal with the chemical symbol Cu, used widely in wiring and pipes for its conductivity. Bronze is not a pure metal but an alloy made mainly of copper mixed with tin, which makes it harder than copper alone.
What is the difference between copper and brass?
Copper is a pure reddish-brown metal (symbol Cu) valued for conducting electricity. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, giving it a yellower colour and different properties, so brass contains copper but is not the same metal.
Why is copper used in wiring and pipes?
Copper is a reddish-brown metal prized for its conductivity, which makes it excellent for carrying electricity in wiring. Its durability and resistance to corrosion also make it a common choice for plumbing pipes.
Does 'copper' also refer to a colour?
Yes. Besides the metal, 'copper' names a reddish-brown colour like that of the metal itself. It is often used to describe hair, autumn leaves, or metallic finishes with that warm reddish tone.