copy

[kop-ee]

noun

plural

copies 

1. an imitation, reproduction, or transcript of an original.

   a copy of a famous painting.

   Synonyms: facsimile, carbon, duplicate

2. one of the various examples or specimens of the same book, engraving, or the like.

3. written matter intended to be reproduced in printed form.

   The editor sent the copy for the next issue to the printer.

4. the text of a news story, advertisement, television commercial, etc., as distinguished from related visual material.

5. the newsworthiness of a person, thing, or event (often preceded by good orbad ).

   The president is always good copy.

6. Computers.,  an exact duplicate of a file, program, etc..

   Keep a backup copy of the document.

7. Genetics.,  replication.

8. Printing.,  pictures and artwork prepared for reproduction.

9. British Informal.,  (in schools) a composition; a written assignment.

10. British.,  a size of drawing or writing paper, 16 × 20 inches (40 × 50 centimeters).

11. Archaic.,  something that is to be reproduced; an example or pattern, as of penmanship to be copied by a pupil.

verb (used with object)

copied, copying 

1. to make a copy of; transcribe; reproduce.

   to copy a set of figures from a book.

2. to receive and understand (a radio message or its sender).

3. to follow as a pattern or model; imitate.

   Antonyms: originate

4. Computers.,  to make an exact duplicate of (a file, selected text, etc.) and store in another location or in temporary memory.

   Can I copy the program to another computer? Copy the selected paragraph to the clipboard.

verb (used without object)

copied, copying 

1. to make a copy or copies.

2. to undergo copying.

   It copied poorly.

   I can't install the program—one file won't copy.

3. to hear or receive a radio message, as over a CB radio.

   Do you copy?

4. Newfoundland.,  Also to leap from one ice pan to another across open water.

copy

/ ˈkɒpɪ /

noun

1. an imitation or reproduction of an original

2. a single specimen of something that occurs in a multiple edition, such as a book, article, etc

3. 1. matter to be reproduced in print

   2. written matter or text as distinct from graphic material in books, newspapers, etc

4. the words used to present a promotional message in an advertisement

5. informal,  journalism suitable material for an article or story

   disasters are always good copy

6. archaic,  a model to be copied, esp an example of penmanship

verb

1. to make a copy or reproduction of (an original)

2. (tr) to imitate as a model

3. (intr) to imitate unfairly

Other Word Forms

• precopy noun
• recopy verb (used with object)
• uncopied adjective
• well-copied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of copy¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English copie (from Anglo-French ) from Medieval Latin cōpia “abundance, something copied,” Latin: “wealth, abundance”; copious; copy ( def. 18 ) originally a children's game, from the phrase copy the leader

Word History and Origins

Origin of copy¹

C14: from Medieval Latin cōpia an imitation, something copied, from Latin: abundance, riches; see _copious

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. copy the mail, mail.

Synonym Study

See imitate.

Example Sentences

The BBC has seen a copy of the judgement which includes the report and a two-page prescription which shows the doctor's unreadable scrawl.

From BBC

The Oregon Health and Science University research team's technique takes the nucleus – which houses a copy of the entire genetic code needed to build the body – out of a skin cell.

From BBC

At the end of that journey, they receive an American flag, copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, their citizenship papers — and a welcome letter from the president.

From Salon

Netanyahu expressed his support for the plan, as did eight Arab and Muslim states including Qatar, which has handed a copy to Hamas officials in Doha.

From BBC

The fiery spectacle sparked fury, as some online suggested it was dangerously irresponsible and could put viewers who might copy the clip at risk.

From BBC

Related Words

• image 
• model 
• photocopy 
• photograph 
• portrait 
• print 
• replica 
• reproduction 
• transcript 
• type