copperplate

American  

[kop-er-pleyt] / ˈkɒp ərˌpleɪt /

noun

1. a plate of polished copper on which a writing, picture, or design is made by engraving or etching.

2. a print or impression from such a plate.

3. engraving or printing of this kind.

4. a fine, elegant style of handwriting.

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copperplate British  

/ ˈkɒpəˌpleɪt /

noun

1. a polished copper plate on which a design has been etched or engraved

2. a print taken from such a plate

3. a fine handwriting based upon that used on copperplate engravings

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Etymology

Origin of copperplate

First recorded in 1655–65; copper ¹ + plate ¹

Example Sentences

Screenings at the Yale University Art Gallery are accompanied by an exhibition of copperplate engravings, experimental electroplated copper reliefs and massive sculptures cast from burned-out trees.

From Washington Post • Mar. 8, 2019

Engraving demanded physical strength to cut the surface of the copperplate; etching, the use of hazardous nitric acid to dissolve away the metal.

From Nature • Oct. 8, 2018

By the Middle Ages myriad handwriting styles arose, including German black letter, Italian round gothic, italic and copperplate.

From Washington Times • Aug. 5, 2017

Most fatefully, it also clearly appears on the 1823 copperplate created by the engraver William Stone to replicate the original parchment, which was already fading.

From New York Times • Jul. 2, 2014

He learned his reading and had a fair copperplate hand.

From "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman