Copper \Cop"per\, n. [OE. coper (cf. D. koper, Sw. koppar, Dan.
kobber, G. kupfer), LL. cuper, fr. L. cuprum for earlier
Cyprium, Cyprium aes, i.e., Cyprian brass, fr. Gr. ? of
Cyprus (Gr. ?), anciently renowned for its copper mines. Cf.
Cypreous.]
1. A common metal of a reddish color, both ductile and
malleable, and very tenacious. It is one of the best
conductors of heat and electricity. Symbol Cu. Atomic
weight 63.3. It is one of the most useful metals in
itself, and also in its alloys, brass and bronze.
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Note: Copper is the only metal which occurs native abundantly
in large masses; it is found also in various ores, of
which the most important are chalcopyrite, chalcocite,
cuprite, and malachite. Copper mixed with tin forms
bell metal; with a smaller proportion, bronze; and with
zinc, it forms brass, pinchbeck, and other alloys.
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2. A coin made of copper; a penny, cent, or other minor coin
of copper. [Colloq.]
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My friends filled my pockets with coppers.
--Franklin.
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3. A vessel, especially a large boiler, made of copper.
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4. pl. Specifically (Naut.), the boilers in the galley for
cooking; as, a ship's coppers.
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Note: Copper is often used adjectively, commonly in the sense
of made or consisting of copper, or resembling copper;
as, a copper boiler, tube, etc.
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All in a hot and copper sky. --Coleridge.
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Note: It is sometimes written in combination; as,
copperplate, coppersmith, copper-colored.
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Copper finch. (Zool.) See Chaffinch.
Copper glance, or Vitreous copper. (Min.) See
Chalcocite.
Indigo copper. (Min.) See Covelline.
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