Cuivre
/kɥivʁ/noun
The French word for copper, a reddish-brown metallic element.
Did you know?Latin aes Cyprium—“metal of Cyprus”—was later shortened into cuprum, the source of both cuivre and the chemical symbol Cu.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Kyprios
“Cyprian; of Cyprus, the island famed for its copper mines”
Classical Latin
Latin
aes Cyprium
“Bronze or copper from Cyprus—literally, “Cyprian metal””
Late Latin
Latin
cuprum
“Copper; a shortened form derived from the Cyprian-metal expression”
Old French
Old French
cuevre
“Copper; an early French development from Latin cuprum”
Middle French
French
cuivre
“Copper; the spelling and pronunciation moved toward the modern form”
Modern French
French
cuivre
“Copper, including the metal and copper-colored material”