Words / B2

KOP-uh/ˈkɒpə/

Copper is a reddish-brown metal (symbol Cu), used in wires and coins; also (informal) a police officer: copper wire; a copper. Bronze is copper and tin; brass is copper and zinc. Copper is a conductor in the circuit practical; quote the atomic number if the paper asks. Mix-up: copper vs cop (informal police); hopper; do not write copper for a hair-colour slogan with no Cu or force in the source.

Meaning

A reddish-brown metal (symbol Cu), used in wires and coins; also (informal) a police officer.

Examples

• “Copper is a conductor in the circuit practical; quote the atomic number if the paper asks.”
• “A copper in the memoir is the informal police sense — still name the force if given.”

Good to know

copper wire / ore; symbol Cu; a copper (informal officer). Alloys: bronze / brass. Trap: a hair dye. Chemistry, physics, and history. The metal Cu, or informal police — specify.

Near in meaning

Cu, metal, officer

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