Cuprous
/ˈkjuː.prəs/noun
Containing copper in its +1 oxidation state.
Did you know?Cuprous ultimately traces to Cyprus, whose copper mines supplied the ancient Mediterranean and became associated with Aphrodite, the island’s goddess.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kóprus
“Copper; a reconstructed term connected with the metal”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Kúpros
“Cyprus, the island associated with abundant copper production”
Ancient Greek
Greek
kuprios
“Of Cyprus; copper or copper-colored”
Latin
Latin
cuprum
“Copper, literally metal associated with Cyprus”
17th Century
English
cuprous
“Containing copper in the lower oxidation state, especially copper(I)”
Modern English
English
cuprous
“Relating to or containing monovalent copper”