ETYM Old Eng. coper, Late Lat. cuper, from Latin cuprum for earlier Cyprium, Cyprium aes, i.e., Cyprian brass. Related to Cypreous.
Orange-pink, very malleable and ductile, metallic element, symbol Cu (from Latin cuprum), atomic number 29, atomic weight 63.546. It is used for its durability, pliability, high thermal and electrical conductivity, and resistance to corrosion.
It was the first metal used systematically for tools by humans; when mined and worked into utensils it formed the technological basis for the Copper Age in prehistory. When alloyed with tin it forms bronze, which strengthens the copper, allowing it to hold a sharp edge; the systematic production and use of this was the basis for the prehistoric Bronze Age. Brass, another hard copper alloy, includes zinc. The element’s name comes from the Greek for Cyprus (Kyprios), where copper was mined.1. 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; SYN. Cu, atomic number 29.
2. A reddish brown the color of polished copper; SYN. copper color.
3. A copper penny.
4. Any of various small butterflies of the family Lycaenidae having copper colored wings.

To coat with a layer of copper.