(v) (1) To copy a piece of data to a temporary location. In word processing, for example, copying refers to duplicating a section of a document and placing it in a buffer (sometimes called a clipboard). The term copy differs from cut, which refers to actually removing a section of a document and placing it in a buffer. After cutting or copying, you can move the contents of the buffer by pasting it somewhere else.
(2) In file management, the term copy refers to making a duplicate of a file.
(n) A duplicate of a piece of data, such as a file or a directory.
