Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • verb transitive, figuratively, UK, Ireland To reinforce, strengthen; to make permanent, embed.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

copper +‎ fasten. From copper sheathing of ship hulls (to protect from damage by marine organisms. Originally copper sheathing but non-copper bolts were used, leading to corrosion. Later copper bolts (fasteners) were also used, eliminating corrosion issues. Literal sense from 18th century, metaphorical sense attested 1948.

Support

Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word copperfasten.

Examples

Comments

Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.