Cuprum

/ˈkjuːprəm/ noun

Definition

The Latin name for copper, used in chemistry, alchemy, and scientific nomenclature to refer to the metallic element.

Etymology

From Latin 'cuprum', originally from Cypriot Greek 'kupros', referring to copper from the island of Cyprus where it was heavily mined in ancient times.

Kelly Says

The Latin name 'cuprum' is why copper's chemical symbol is Cu instead of Co—alchemists and scientists centuries ago preferred Latin names, and that choice stuck forever in chemistry.

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