Copper: meaning, definitions and examples

A slang term sometimes used for a police officer in certain regions. This usage is not as common today but still understood.

• The copper caught the thief red-handed.
• In old movies, you'd often hear the term 'copper' for a police officer.

Scientific and technical contexts to represent the chemical element copper in the periodic table. It is often used in scientific writing and discussions.

• The atomic number of Cu is 29.
• We need to add Cu to the alloy to improve its strength.

This word is commonly used to describe the reddish-brown metal known for its electrical conductivity and use in manufacturing. It is also used colloquially to refer to a police officer in some English-speaking regions.

• The statue is made of solid copper.
• The copper wires were used to connect the electrical circuits.
• The copper was walking down the street, keeping an eye out for trouble.

This adjective is used to describe something that has the color or appearance similar to copper. It is often used when talking about the hue in descriptions of things such as hair, objects, or even the sunset.

• Her hair had a beautiful coppery sheen.
• The sky turned a coppery hue as the sun set.
• The old coins had a coppery patina from years of exposure.