a common reddish metallic chemical element that is ductile and malleable and one of the best conductors of heat and electricity, and is used for electrical wiring and as a constituent of certain alloys: symbol Cu, atomic number 29
the colour of copper
Brit a coin or token made of copper or bronze and usu of low value
any of various small butterflies with usu copper-coloured wings
Brit a large metal vessel used, esp formerly, for boiling laundry
coppery adj
[Old English coper from late Latin cuprum, from Latin cyprium aes Cyprus metal, because Cyprus was a major source]