coppery

Coppery is an adjective used to describe something that has the color, sheen, or quality of copper. It can refer to the metal's warm, reddish-brown tone, often with a metallic luster. The term is applied to objects, materials, and surfaces that resemble copper in color, as well as to hues used in art, design, and fashion. Coppery color lies in the range between orange and brown-red, frequently with a hint of gold or pink depending on lighting and alloy composition.

In nature and aging of copper, a surface may appear coppery and then develop a patina that shifts toward green as copper oxidizes, producing verdigris. This patina is often cited in cultural and decorative contexts as evidence of age and character.

Etymology: Coppery derives from copper plus the -y suffix, denoting "having the quality of." The word has been in English since at least the 18th century, reflecting the metal’s long-standing aesthetic and practical significance.

Applications: In design, coppery tones are valued for warmth, richness, and a vintage or industrial feel. In textiles, paints, and hair coloring, coppery descriptors denote reddish-orange tones that resemble copper metal. The term is also used descriptively for coins, sculptures, and architectural surfaces that exhibit copper coloration.

See also: copper, verdigris, patina.