cuprum
[ˈkʊ.prũː]neuter
The English word copper is translated into Latin as cuprum. Wiktionary also lists aes and cyprum.
Meaning: reddish-brown metallic chemical element with the atomic number 29, the metal made up of this element (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cuprum | [ˈkʊ.prũː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈkuː.prum] (narrow) |
neuter |
| aes | [ˈae̯s] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈɛs] (narrow) |
neuter |
| cyprum | neuter | |
| aerāmen | neuter |
The term refers to the reddish-brown metallic chemical element and the metal itself.
Which one should you use?
cuprum refers specifically to the element. aes is a common term used to refer to bronze or copper-based alloys. aerāmen is a more specific term used to denote a vessel or object made of copper or bronze.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective cupreus is derived from the noun cuprum and is used to describe things that are made of copper.
Did you know?
- The Roman phrase aes alienum literally means 'another's copper' but is the standard Latin term for 'debt'.
- The Latin word for copper, cuprum, is actually a geographical label. It literally translates to 'copper from Cyprus', referring to the island where the Romans sourced much of their metal.
- In Ancient Rome, the word aes was used not just for the metal, but as a general term for money and currency.
Examples in context
- Cuprum metallum est.Copper is a metal.This sentence is useful for showing how to use cuprum to state that copper is a metal.Tatoeba #13424995 by Vortarulo, translation #13102713 by CK
- Cuprum est metallum pretiosum.Copper is a precious metal.
- Cyprii ex insula æs Cyprium extrahunt.The Cypriots extract Cyprian copper from the island.
- Æs Corinthium est notum propter excellentem qualitatem.Corinthian copper is known for its excellent quality.
- Æs est unum ex metallis antiquis.Copper is one of the ancient metals.
- Æs fulvum est pulchrum et durum.Yellow copper is beautiful and durable.
- Cuprum aurum non est.Copper is not gold.
Example conversation
Lucia and Lucius are looking at some ancient artifacts in a room.
- LuciaNum hoc cuprum est?Is this copper?
- LuciusIta, hoc cuprum est.Yes, it is copper.
- LuciaCuprum est pulchrum.Copper is beautiful.
- LuciusVerum est, Lucia.It is true, Lucia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “copper” translations and entries cuprum, aes, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aes, cuprum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
