copy

noun14

1. •
   a thing made from an original so that the two are the same or nearly the same

   • Please bring me at least 200 copies of this report. The photocopier is down the hall on the right.
   • His new book is out. I have a signed copy. He'll send you a copy if you want one. He's giving free copies to his former colleagues who want one. The press run is 3000 copies, and he hopes to sell more press runs after this one.
2. •
   A particular instance of a book: a single printed impression or digital file representing it.

   • Our town's public library has several copies of the Bible, in each of several editions.
   • Our town's public library has several copies of the second edition of Smith's textbook, but it doesn't yet have any copies of any newer edition.
3. •
   A particular instance of an issue of a periodical (e.g., magazine, journal, bulletin): a single printed impression or digital file representing that issue; (metonynmically) the issue.

   • Have you seen the latest copy of Newsweek yet?
4. •
   The text (words, content) that is to be typeset or similarly prepared and published.

   • This organization doesn't publish any copy that hasn't been edited by a good copy editor.
5. •
   The output of copywriters, who are employed to write material which encourages consumers to buy goods or services.

   • Has your ad copy plenty of punch? — 1930
6. •
   The text to be set into newspaper articles, magazine pages, or similar.

   • Submit all copy to the appropriate editor.
7. •
   An imitation, sometimes of inferior quality.

   • That handbag is a copy. You can tell because the buckle is different.
8. •
   The result of gene or chromosomal duplication.

   • Every cell in this organism contains a copy of each gene, but whether that copy will be expressed depends on complex factors of cell differentiation and epigenetics.
9. •
   A schoolwork pad or workbook.

   • Tim got in trouble for forgetting his maths copy.
10. •
    A person employed to carry copy and run errands.
11. •
    (no longer used) That which is to be imitated, transcribed, or reproduced; a pattern, model, or example.

    • His virtues are an excellent copy for imitation.
12. •
    (no longer used) Writing paper of a particular size: Synonym of bastard.
13. •
    (no longer used) An abundance or plenty of anything.

    • [S]he was blest with no more Copie of wit, but to serue his Humor thus. — 1599
14. •
    (no longer used) copyhold; tenure; lease.

verb5

1. •
   To produce an object identical to a given object.

   • Please copy these reports for me.
   • Don't copy that floppy!
2. •
   To place a copy of an object in memory for later use.

   • First copy the files, and then paste them in another directory.
3. •
   To imitate.

   • Don't copy my dance moves.
   • Mom, he's copying me!
4. •
   To give or transmit a copy to (a person).

   • Make sure you copy me on that important memo.
   • All heads of departments have been copied.
5. •
   To receive a transmission successfully.

   • Do you copy?

noun1

1. •
   Abbreviation of copyright.