Copper
ˈkɒpər
Definitions
3 meaningsA reddish-brown, highly conductive metal used in electrical wiring, plumbing, and alloys.
ˈkɒpər
A reddish-brown metallic element
The Statue of Liberty is made of copper.
💡 Simply: Imagine a really cool, reddish metal. That's copper! It's super good at carrying electricity, like the wires in your house or the pipes that bring water.
👶 For kids: Copper is a shiny, reddish metal that's often used to make wires and pipes.
More Examples
Electrical wires are often made of copper because it's a good conductor.
Copper pipes are used to carry water in buildings.
How It's Used
"Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity."
"The roof was covered in copper sheeting."
A coin made of copper or a copper alloy (specifically, a British penny or similar).
ˈkɒpər
A coin made of copper or a copper alloy
He dropped a few coppers into the busker's hat.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, 'copper' can also mean a coin, especially the small, penny-like ones.
👶 For kids: It can also mean a coin that is made out of copper.
More Examples
She searched her purse for a copper to pay for the gum.
Can you spare a copper for the newspaper?
How It's Used
"Can you spare a copper for the bus?"
Having the reddish-brown color of copper.
ˈkɒpəri
Having the color of copper
Her hair had a coppery sheen in the sunlight.
💡 Simply: If something's 'coppery,' it means it's the same reddish-brown color as the metal.
👶 For kids: It's the color of copper.
More Examples
The leaves turned a coppery color in the autumn.
The coppery sunset painted the sky.
How It's Used
"The sunset cast a coppery glow over the lake."
Idioms & expressions
a copper-bottomed investment
A very safe and secure investment, unlikely to lose money.
"Real estate can be considered a copper-bottomed investment in many areas."
copper kettle
Referring to a kettle made of copper.
"I have a copper kettle on the stove."
From Old English *coper* (related to Latin *cuprum*), likely derived from the island of Cyprus, known for its copper mines in ancient times.
Historically, copper was used for tools, weapons, and ornaments, and its use dates back thousands of years.
Memory tip
Think of shiny, reddish pennies! Copper is the stuff they're made of.