# copy

Pronunciation: say "KO-pee" US /ˈkɑpi/, UK /ˈkɒpi/

## Noun

1. Something made to be identical or similar to an original, sometimes an imitation of lower quality.
   - Simple: Something made to look exactly or nearly like the original.
   - _He kept the original document safe and worked from a copy._
   - _We had a copy of the front door key made for the dog walker._
2. A single printed or digital example of a book, magazine, newspaper, or other publication.
   - Simple: One of the many printed or digital examples of a book, magazine or newspaper.
   - _She signed every copy of her memoir at the launch event._
   - _Only three copies of the first edition survive today._
6. Written text prepared for publication or printing, including the text of advertisements.
   - Simple: Written words that will be printed or published, such as in a newspaper or an advert.
   - _The author delivered her copy to the publisher weeks before the typesetting began._
   - _Editors trimmed the copy to fit the available space._
9. A gene or chromosomal segment produced as the result of genetic or chromosomal duplication.
   - Simple: An extra version of a gene or chromosome that is made when it is duplicated.
   - _The mutation leaves the cell with an extra copy of the chromosome._
   - _Researchers counted how many copies of the gene appeared in the tumor samples._
10. A pad or workbook used by students for schoolwork and written exercises. *(Ireland)*
   - Simple: A book of blank or lined pages that students use for their schoolwork.
   - _He filled three copies with math problems over the term._
   - _Open your copy to the next blank page and begin the exercise._

## Verb

3. To produce an object that is identical to a given one.
   - Simple: To make an object that is exactly like another one.
   - _Skilled workers can copy a sculpture down to the smallest detail._
   - _The workshop copied the antique chair using the same materials._
4. To imitate the behavior, style, or appearance of another.
   - Simple: To do something in the same way as another person or thing.
   - _Younger players copy the techniques of the stars they admire._
   - _The artist copied the bold style of earlier masters._
5. To place a duplicate of an object into memory so it can be used again later.
   - Simple: To save an object in memory so you can use it again later.
   - _Copy the selected text and paste it into the document._
   - _The program copied the entire array into a temporary buffer._
7. To receive and understand a radio or other transmission successfully.
   - Simple: To hear and understand a radio message clearly.
   - _Mission control asked whether the crew could copy the updated coordinates._
   - _The dispatcher said she copied the call and sent a unit right away._
8. To send or pass a copy of something to a particular person.
   - Simple: To send someone a copy of a message or letter.
   - _Remember to copy the whole team on the final report._
   - _He copied his manager on every client update._

## Noun

11. Something set down to be imitated, transcribed, or reproduced; a pattern, model, or example. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: A model or example that is meant to be followed or copied.
12. A standard size of writing paper, synonymous with the size known as bastard. *(archaic)*
   - Simple: A kind of writing paper that was made in one fixed size.
13. A great abundance or plentiful supply of anything. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: A large amount or plentiful supply of something.
14. Tenure or lease of land held by copyhold. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: A right to hold land that was written in the lord's official records.

## Other meanings

- (noun) A person employed in a newspaper office to carry copy and run errands.

## Origin

**Meanings 1–2, 6, 9–14** — From Middle English copy, from Old French copie ("abundance; transcript, copy"), from Medieval Latin copia ("reproduction, transcript"), which came from Latin cōpia ("plenty, abundance"), formed from co- ("together") plus ops ("wealth, riches").
**Meanings 3–5, 7–8** — Medieval Latin cōpiō and Old French copier both fed into Middle English copien, the source of this word.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/copy (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).