/kop"ee/ , n. , pl. copies , for 1, 2, 7, 9, v., copied, copying .
n.
1. an imitation, reproduction, or transcript of an original: a copy of a famous painting.
2. one of the various examples or specimens of the same book, engraving, or the like.
3. written matter intended to be reproduced in printed form: The editor sent the copy for the next issue to the printer.
4. the text of a news story, advertisement, television commercial, etc., as distinguished from related visual material.
5. the newsworthiness of a person, thing, or event (often prec. by good or bad ): The president is always good copy. Cf. news (def. 4).
6. Genetics. replication (def. 7).
7. Print. pictures and artwork prepared for reproduction.
8. Brit. Informal. (in schools) a composition; a written assignment.
9. Brit. a size of drawing or writing paper, 16 × 20 in. (40 × 50 cm).
10. Archaic. something that is to be reproduced; an example or pattern, as of penmanship to be copied by a pupil.
v.t.
11. to make a copy of; transcribe; reproduce: to copy a set of figures from a book.
12. to receive and understand (a radio message or its sender).
13. to follow as a pattern or model; imitate.
v.i.
14. to make a copy or copies.
15. to undergo copying: It copied poorly.
16. to hear or receive a radio message, as over a CB radio: Do you copy?
17. Also, cocky . Newfoundland. to leap from one ice pan to another across open water.
18. copy the mail , CB Radio Slang. See mail 1 (def. 5).
[ 1300-50; ME copie ( copia abundance, something copied, L: wealth, abundance; see COPIOUS; (def. 16) orig. a children's game, from the phrase copy the leader ]
Syn. 1. duplicate, carbon, facsimile. 13. See imitate .
Ant. 13. originate.