carbon



carbon copy

1. A copy of a document that is made by placing a sheet of carbon paper under the original so that the print gets transferred from the original to the sheet of paper below it. Carbon copies are largely obsolete but are still used in some cases for receipts. Could you please make a carbon copy of that invoice? I need it for my records.
2. To include additional recipients on an email message that is intended for, or directed to, another person. Often abbreviated as "cc." Please carbon copy me on that email to Janice. I want her to know I am aware of the situation.
3. A person or thing that closely resembles someone or something else in looks or attributes. Even though they were born several years apart, Darren is a carbon copy of his brother. They have the same gait, mannerisms, and hairstyle.
See also: carbon, copy

a carbon copy

someone or something that is extremely similar to someone or something else (usually + of ) He's a carbon copy of his father.
See also: carbon, copy

carbon copy

A person or thing that closely resembles another, as in Our grandson is a carbon copy of his dad. Originally this term meant a copy of a document made by using carbon paper. The linguistic transfer to other kinds of duplicate survived the demise of carbon paper (replaced by photocopiers, computer printers, and other more sophisticated devices). [c. 1870]
See also: carbon, copy

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
JosÉPhinezho-ze-FEENFrench
Angjelko-Macedonian
Muhamed-Bosnian
EverettEV-ə-rit, EV-ritEnglish
Baltazar-Judeo-Christian Legend
FlowerFLOW-ərEnglish (Rare)