master copy

noun, verb — 5 senses

master copy

noun
1

Media, Printing, Publishing The copy that acts as the main or original version among several copies, such as the master proof where changes from other author copies are combined, or a similar master manuscript with edits transferred to it.

2

Business An original copy of a document, digital file, stencil, or other item that acts as the main version used to create all other copies, such as photocopies, printouts, or duplicates made by various methods.

3

A copy of a famous artwork made for purposes such as practice, enjoyment, respect, or imitation.

Derived terms
mastercopy

master copy

verb
1

Media, Printing, Publishing To transfer edits to a master copy from various stakeholders' copies (as for example with multiple authors and editors).

2

To make a copy of a masterpiece.

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.