Cupriferous

/kjuːˈprɪfərəs/ adjective

Definition

Containing copper or producing copper; rich in copper ore or deposits.

Etymology

From Latin 'cuprum' (copper) plus '-ferous' (bearing or producing). The '-ferous' suffix comes from Latin 'ferre' (to carry), so the word literally means 'copper-carrying.'

Kelly Says

Mining companies love the word 'cupriferous' because it means there's copper worth mining—cupriferous rock formations have made entire regions wealthy, from the copper mines of Chile to the historic mines of Cyprus (which is where 'copper' gets its name!).

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