A metallic element, atomic no. 29, atomic wt. 63.546; several of its salts are used in medicine. A bioelement found in a number of proteins. [L. cuprum, orig. Cyprium, fr. Cyprus, where it was mined]
- c. arsenite SYN: cupric arsenite.
- c. bichloride SYN: cupric chloride.
- c. chloride SYN: cupric chloride.
- c. citrate SYN: cupric citrate.
- c. dichloride SYN: cupric chloride.
- c. sulfate, c. sulphate SYN: cupric sulfate.
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cop·per 'käp-ər n, often attrib a common reddish metallic element that is ductile and malleable and one of the best conductors of heat and electricity symbol Cu see ELEMENT (table)
cop·pery 'käp-(ə-)rē adj
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cop·per (Cu) (kopґər) a reddish, malleable metal; atomic number 29, atomic weight 63.54; with poisonous salts. Copper is essential in nutrition, being a component of various proteins, including ceruloplasmin, erythrocuprein, cytochrome c oxidase, and tyrosinase. Deficiency, which is rare, may result in hypochromic microcytic anemia, neutropenia, and bone changes. Excessive accumulation in the body may lead to copper poisoning (see under poisoning).Medical dictionary. 2011.