Coppery Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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coppery

[หˆkษ’pษ™ri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

color

Having the reddish-brown color of copper.

Synonyms

bronze, copper-colored, reddish-brown.

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Word Description / Examples
coppery

Used to describe something that has a shiny, metallic, red-orange hue resembling copper. Often used for objects, hair, and even plants.

  • She had coppery highlights in her hair that shimmered in the sunlight
reddish-brown

Used for describing something that is a mix of red and brown but lacks the metallic sheen. It is often used for natural objects like wood, animals, and hair.

  • The leaves turned a reddish-brown color in the fall
bronze

Commonly used to describe a dark yellow-brown color that resembles the alloy bronze. This term can be used for skin tone, objects, and medals. It has a slightly less reddish tint than 'coppery'.

  • His skin had a beautiful bronze tan from spending the summer at the beach
copper-colored

Typically used to describe objects that have the same color as natural copper metal, often implying that the object is actually made of copper. It can also be used for hair and other items that have a similar color.

  • The antique clock had a copper-colored finish that made it look valuable

Examples of usage

  • The sunset cast a coppery glow over the horizon.
  • Her hair had a coppery sheen in the sunlight.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Art and Design

  • Coppery colors are often used in interior design to create a warm, inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of autumn.
  • In painting, artists might mix earth tones to achieve various coppery shades for landscapes or still life.
  • Fashion designers frequently use coppery hues in textiles to evoke luxury and warmth in clothing collections.

Nature

  • Certain animals, such as the Coppery Titi monkey, are named for their distinct coppery-colored fur.
  • Coppery shades are prevalent in many autumn leaves, signaling the change of seasons through chlorophyll breakdown.
  • Some insects, like the copper butterfly, exhibit this striking color as a part of their natural habitat.

Pop Culture

  • The 'coppery' color often appears in fantasy literature, representing elements like magic or transformation.
  • In films, characters with coppery hair are frequently portrayed with fiery personalities or unique traits.
  • Popular music often celebrates the color copper, linking it to themes of warmth, nostalgia, and beauty.

Science

  • Copper is an essential trace mineral for human health, contributing to iron metabolism and the formation of connective tissues.
  • In chemistry, copper has several oxidation states, with the most common being +1 and +2, leading to a variety of compounds with coppery appearances.
  • The use of copper in electronics and plumbing is due to its excellent conductivity, showcasing its properties beyond mere color.

Origin of 'coppery'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'copper' comes from the Latin 'cuprum,' named after Cyprus, known for its copper mines in ancient times.
  • The adjective 'coppery' emerged in English in the 16th century, directly relating to the color and properties of the metal.
  • Many words in English that describe colors often relate back to materials, and 'coppery' is a perfect example of this trend.

The word 'coppery' is derived from the noun 'copper', which comes from the Old English word 'coper' and the Latin word 'cuprum'. Copper has been used by humans for thousands of years, and its reddish-brown color is distinctive. The adjective 'coppery' has been used to describe this color since the 17th century.


See also: copper.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,640, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.