Cool MateCopper
UK /["/ˈkɒpə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈkɑːpər/"]/
Definition
a chemical element. Copper is a soft red-brown metal used for making electric wires, pipes and coins.
In simple words: A reddish-brown metal used for making wires and coins.
Examples
- a copper mine
- copper pipes
- copper-coloured hair
- Her hair shone like burnished copper.
- She works mainly in copper.
- copper alloyed with arsenic
- I only paid a few coppers for it.
- Apparently, her dad's a copper.
- There are a couple of coppers waiting outside.
Usage notes
Use 'copper' when referring to the metal itself or objects made from it. It's not commonly used in slang or very formal contexts.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Think of a 'cop' who collects old coins—they might find copper ones.
Collocations
- pure
- molten
- beaten
- mine
- produce
- contain
- mine
- miner
- mining
- in copper
- an alloy of copper and something
- an alloy of copper with something
Synonyms
- metal
- cuprum
- copper alloy
Antonyms
- silver
- gold
- aluminum
Common mistakes
- 'Copper' vs 'coppery': Confusing the metal with its color version.
- Forget to capitalize 'Copper' when used as a color name.
- Using 'copper' as a verb correctly.