a duplicate of anything written or typed, made by using a photocopier or, formerly, by using carbon paper.
Abbreviation: cc.
a copy of an e-mail or other electronic document that is sent to one or more people in addition to the primary addressee.
Abbreviation: cc.
2.
a near or exact duplicate of a given person or thing; replica:
She's a carbon copy of her mother.
Origin
1890-95
British Dictionary definitions for carbon copy
carbon copy
noun
1.
a duplicate copy of writing, typewriting, or drawing obtained by using carbon paper Often shortened to carbon
2.
(informal) a person or thing that is identical or very similar to another
Word Origin and History for carbon copy
n.
1895, from carbon (paper) + copy (n.). A copy on paper made using carbon paper. The figurative sense is from 1944. Also as a verb, "send a carbon copy (of something)," and as such often abbreviated c.c.
Idioms and Phrases with carbon copy
carbon copy
A person or thing that closely resembles another, as in Our grandson is a carbon copy of his dad. Originally this term meant a copy of a document made by using carbon paper. The linguistic transfer to other kinds of duplicate survived the demise of carbon paper (replaced by photocopiers, computer printers, and other more sophisticated devices). [ c. 1870 ]