Meaning & use
copper
Last updated
A reddish-brown metallic chemical element known for its excellent electrical conductivity.
See it in a sentence
The wiring in most homes is made of copper because it conducts electricity so efficiently.
Ancient civilizations were among the first to work with copper, shaping it into tools and ornaments.
A note on using this word
The informal British slang meaning "police officer" comes from the verb "cop," meaning "to catch," not from the metal.
Another way to use it
2. noun
An informal, sometimes dated, term for a police officer.
The coppers arrived just minutes after the alarm went off.
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