C1 noun Formal

cophilful

/ˈkoʊfɪlfʊl/

A cophilful refers to the specific amount or volume that can be contained within a specialized, traditionally crafted vessel known as a cophil. It is used primarily in niche artisan contexts, such as high-end perfumery or traditional pigment mixing, to denote a precise measure of a precious substance.

Examples

3 of 5
1

She carefully added a cophilful of the rare lavender essence to the mixture.

She carefully added a cophilful of the rare lavender essence to the mixture.

2

The contract specifies that the artisan must provide a cophilful of gold leaf for the restoration.

The contract specifies that the artisan must provide a cophilful of gold leaf for the restoration.

3

I only need a cophilful of that spice to make the flavor pop.

I only need a cophilful of that spice to make the flavor pop.

Word Family

Noun
cophilful
Verb
cophil
Adjective
cophil-sized
Related
cophil
💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'copper cup full'—shorten 'copper' to 'co' and 'cup' to 'phil' to get 'cophilful'.

Quick Quiz

To achieve the perfect hue, the painter added a ________ of crushed lapis lazuli to the oil.

Correct!

The correct answer is: a

Examples

1

She carefully added a cophilful of the rare lavender essence to the mixture.

everyday

She carefully added a cophilful of the rare lavender essence to the mixture.

2

The contract specifies that the artisan must provide a cophilful of gold leaf for the restoration.

formal

The contract specifies that the artisan must provide a cophilful of gold leaf for the restoration.

3

I only need a cophilful of that spice to make the flavor pop.

informal

I only need a cophilful of that spice to make the flavor pop.

4

Quantitative analysis suggests that one cophilful of the reagent is sufficient for the reaction.

academic

Quantitative analysis suggests that one cophilful of the reagent is sufficient for the reaction.

5

Our premium tier includes a cophilful of the signature scent as a complimentary gift.

business

Our premium tier includes a cophilful of the signature scent as a complimentary gift.

Word Family

Noun
cophilful
Verb
cophil
Adjective
cophil-sized
Related
cophil

Common Collocations

a single cophilful a single cophilful
measured cophilful measured cophilful
precious cophilful precious cophilful
standard cophilful standard cophilful
exact cophilful exact cophilful

Common Phrases

worth a cophilful of gold

worth a cophilful of gold

to the last cophilful

to the last cophilful

a cophilful of hope

a cophilful of hope

Often Confused With

cophilful vs copious

Copious is an adjective meaning large in quantity, whereas cophilful is a noun representing a specific small measure.

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Usage Notes

This word is highly specialized and should be used when discussing artisanal crafts, historical measurements, or specific laboratory portions. It carries a connotation of precision and value.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use 'cophilfull' with two 'l's at the end; the correct noun suffix for a container's capacity is '-ful'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'copper cup full'—shorten 'copper' to 'co' and 'cup' to 'phil' to get 'cophilful'.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle English 'coppe' (cup) and the archaic 'phil' (a small vessel), combined with the standard suffix '-ful' indicating volume.

Grammar Patterns

Pluralized as cophilfuls Usually functions as a countable noun Often used in the construction 'a cophilful of [substance]'
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Cultural Context

Historically associated with medieval European apothecaries and alchemists who used standardized small vessels for expensive ingredients.

Quick Quiz

To achieve the perfect hue, the painter added a ________ of crushed lapis lazuli to the oil.

Correct!

The correct answer is: a

Related Words

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A1

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lung

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tropical

A1

Relating to the hot regions of the Earth near the equator. It describes weather that is very warm and wet, or plants and animals that come from these areas.

trader

A1

A trader is a person whose job is to buy and sell goods, stocks, or other items for profit. They can work in a small local market or on large international financial exchanges.

indoor

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threshold

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A threshold is the physical area at the bottom of a doorway that you step over to enter a room or building. It also refers to the level or point at which something starts to happen or changes.

tribute

A1

A tribute is something that you say, do, or give to show your respect and admiration for someone. It is often a public act used to honor a person's life, work, or memory.

elder

A1

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russian

A1

Relating to Russia, its people, its language, or its culture. It describes things that come from or are connected to the largest country in the world.

southeastern

A1

Located in or coming from the direction between south and east. It describes a place, a region, or a wind that is in the corner between the bottom and the right on a map.

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