copper
/'kɔpə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A reddish-brown metallic element: A ductile, malleable metal with high thermal and electrical conductivity, used in wiring, plumbing, and alloys.
- A reddish-brown color: A color resembling that of the polished metal.
- A coin of low value made of copper or bronze: A small, typically brownish coin.
- A police officer: (Informal, often uncomplimentary) A term for a member of the police force.
Verb:
- To coat or cover with a layer of copper: To apply copper to a surface, often for protection or decoration.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Element):
- The statue was made of solid copper.
- Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity.
- Noun (Color):
- Her hair had beautiful copper highlights.
- Noun (Coin):
- He gave the beggar a few coppers.
- Noun (Police Officer):
- Watch out, there's a copper on the corner.
- Verb:
- They decided to copper the bottom of the ship to prevent fouling.
Advanced Usage
- "To cool one's coppers": (Idiomatic, informal) To have a drink, especially an alcoholic one, to quench one's thirst or soothe a dry throat.
- After that long speech, I need to cool my coppers.
- "Hot coppers": (Idiomatic, informal) A dry, parched feeling in the mouth, often from drinking too much alcohol.
- He woke up with a case of the hot coppers.
Variants and Related Words
- Copperplate (n): A polished copper plate for engraving or etching; a style of formal handwriting.
- Copper-bottomed (adj): Reliable, financially sound (literally: having a bottom coated with copper for protection).
- A copper-bottomed guarantee.
- Coppery (adj): Having the color or appearance of copper.
- A coppery sunset.
Synonyms
- Metal: Element (when referring to the material).
- Coin: Penny, cent.
- Police Officer: (Informal) Cop, officer, constable.
Related Phrasal Verbs
(The word "copper" is not commonly used to form phrasal verbs.)
Related Idioms
- "Not have a copper to one's name": To be completely penniless.
- After the business failed, he didn't have a copper to his name.
- "To copper one's bets": (Variant of "to hedge one's bets") To protect oneself against loss by supporting more than one possible outcome.
- He coppered his bets by investing in several different companies.
Noun
- any of various small butterflies of the family Lycaenidae having coppery wings
- a reddish-brown color resembling the color of polished copper
- uncomplimentary terms for a policeman
- a copper penny
- a ductile malleable reddish-brown corrosion-resistant diamagnetic metallic element; occurs in various minerals but is the only metal that occurs abundantly in large masses; used as an electrical and thermal conductor
Verb
- coat with a layer of copper