copy

[kop-ee] /ˈkɒp i/
noun, plural copies for 1, 2, 7, 9.
1.
an imitation, reproduction, or transcript of an original:
a copy of a famous painting.
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 or bad):
The president is always good copy.
Compare news (def 4).
6.
Computers. an exact duplicate of a file, program, etc.:
Keep a backup copy of the document.
7.
Genetics. replication (def 7).
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 cm).
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.
12.
to make a copy of; transcribe; reproduce:
to copy a set of figures from a book.
13.
to receive and understand (a radio message or its sender).
14.
to follow as a pattern or model; imitate.
15.
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.
Compare cut (def 24), paste (def 13).
verb (used without object), copied, copying.
16.
to make a copy or copies.
17.
to undergo copying: It copied poorly.
I can't install the program—one file won't copy.
18.
to hear or receive a radio message, as over a CB radio:
Do you copy?
19.
Also, cocky. Newfoundland. to leap from one ice pan to another across open water.
Idioms
20.
copy the mail, Citizens Band Radio Slang. mail1 (def 5).
Origin
1300-50; Middle English copie (< Anglo-French) < Medieval Latin cōpia abundance, something copied, Latin: wealth, abundance; see copious; (def 16) originally a children's game, from the phrase copy the leader
Related forms
precopy, noun, plural precopies, verb (used with object), precopied, precopying.
recopy, verb (used with object), recopied, recopying.
uncopied, adjective
well-copied, adjective
Synonyms
1. duplicate, carbon, facsimile. 14. See imitate.
Antonyms
14. originate.
Examples from the web for copy
  • The issues involved with copy protection haven't changed.
  • Don't ever tell a copy editor that consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.
  • These are mimics-plants and animals that copy other things.
  • Get your own copy of this recently conserved treasure.
  • Pick up a copy and you'll see why it gets such high marks.
  • The typical office copy machine is a modern-day wonder, but it can also be a source of considerable frustration.
  • On a dial-up, although it was possible to copy and paste words, in the beginning texts were doled out one screen at a time.
  • But this time, despite plenty of razzmatazz, few customers will be queuing up to buy a copy.
  • Males, on the other hand, only ever have a single copy.
  • copy that sasquatch, it appears they don't speak our language.
British Dictionary definitions for copy

copy

/ˈkɒpɪ/
noun (pl) copies
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.
(journalism, informal) 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 copies, copying, copied
7.
when tr, often foll by out. to make a copy or reproduction of (an original)
8.
(transitive) to imitate as a model
9.
(intransitive) to imitate unfairly
Word Origin
C14: from Medieval Latin cōpia an imitation, something copied, from Latin: abundance, riches; see copious
Word Origin and History for copy
n.

early 14c., "written account or record," from Old French copie (13c.), from Medieval Latin copia "reproduction, transcript," from Latin copia "plenty, means" (see copious). Sense extended 15c. to any specimen of writing (especially MS for a printer) and any reproduction or imitation. Related: Copyist.

v.

late 14c., from Old French copier (14c.), from Medieval Latin copiare "to transcribe," originally "to write in plenty," from Latin copia (see copy (n.)). Hence, "to write an original text many times." Related: Copied; copying. Figurative sense of "to imitate" is attested from 1640s.

Slang definitions & phrases for copy

copy

noun

A subject for an article in a newspaper, magazine, etc: She knew that Miss Gould was good ''copy'' (1880s+)

verb

To send a copy of a message to someone other than the immediate addressee: Copy Tina and tell her the mag is fast turning to compost (1980s+)