copula

[ kop-yuh-luh ]
/ ˈkɒp yə lə /

noun, plural cop·u·las, cop·u·lae [kop-yuh-lee] /ˈkɒp yəˌli/.

something that connects or links together.
Also called linking verb. Grammar. a verb, as be, seem, or look, that serves as a connecting link or establishes an identity between subject and complement. Compare action verb.
Logic. a word or set of words that acts as a connecting link between the subject and predicate of a proposition.

Origin of copula

1640–50; < Latin cōpula, equivalent to co- co- + ap- fasten (see apt) + -ula -ule

OTHER WORDS FROM copula

cop·u·lar, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH copula

copula cupola

Example sentences from the Web for copula

British Dictionary definitions for copula

copula
/ (ˈkɒpjʊlə) /

noun plural -las or -lae (-ˌliː)

a verb, such as be, seem, or taste, that is used merely to identify or link the subject with the complement of a sentence. Copulas may serve to link nouns (or pronouns), as in he became king, nouns (or pronouns) and adjectival complements, as in sugar tastes sweet, or nouns (or pronouns) and adverbial complements, as in John is in jail
anything that serves as a link
logic the often unexpressed link between the subject and predicate terms of a categorial proposition, as are in all men are mortal

Derived forms of copula

copular, adjective

Word Origin for copula

C17: from Latin: bond, connection, from co- together + apere to fasten

Medical definitions for copula

copula
[ kŏpyə-lə ]

n.

A narrow part connecting two structures.