Derived from the Greek kupros (the island of Cyprus), called "Cyprian brass," occurs only in the Authorized Version in Ezra 8:27. Elsewhere the Hebrew word (nehosheth) is improperly rendered "brass," and sometimes "steel" (2 Samuel 22:35; Jeremiah 15:12). The "bow of steel" (Job 20:24; Psalm 18:34) should have been "bow of copper" (or "brass, " as in the R.V.). The vessels of "fine copper" of Ezra 8:27 were probably similar to those of "bright brass" mentioned in 1 Kings 7:45; Dan. 10:6.

Tubal-cain was the first artificer in brass and iron (Genesis 4:22). Hiram was noted as a worker in brass (1 Kings 7:14). Copper abounded in Palestine (Deuteronomy 8:9; Isaiah 60:17; 1 Chronicles 22:3, 14). All sorts of vessels in the tabernacle and the temple were made of it (Leviticus 6:28; Numbers 16:39; 2 Chronicles 4:16; Ezra 8:27); also weapons of war (1 Samuel 17:5, 6, 38; 2 Samuel 21:16). Iron is mentioned only four times (Genesis 4:22; Leviticus 26:19; Numbers 31:22; 35:16) in the first four books of Moses, while copper (rendered "brass") is mentioned forty times. (see BRASS.)

We find mention of Alexander (q.v.), a "coppersmith" of Ephesus (2 Timothy 4:14).

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) A common metal of a reddish color, both ductile and malleable, and very tenacious. It is one of the best conductors of heat and electricity. Symbol Cu. Atomic weight 63.3. It is one of the most useful metals in itself, and also in its alloys, brass and bronze.

2. (n.) A coin made of copper; a penny, cent, or other minor coin of copper.

3. (n.) A vessel, especially a large boiler, made of copper.

4. (n.) the boilers in the galley for cooking; as, a ship's coppers.

5. (v. t.) To cover or coat with copper; to sheathe with sheets of copper; as, to copper a ship.