cc: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical, formal (in email context), informal (in spoken technical contexts).
Quick answer
What does “cc” mean?
A unit of volume equal to one cubic centimetre, used especially in medicine and science.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A unit of volume equal to one cubic centimetre, used especially in medicine and science.
To send a copy of an email or document to someone (carbon copy). Also used as an abbreviation for 'cubic centimetre' in various technical contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In measurement, both use 'cc', though 'ml' (millilitre) is often preferred in UK medical contexts. As an email term, usage is identical.
Connotations
In the UK, 'cc' for measurement can sound slightly technical or old-fashioned in everyday speech compared to 'ml'. In the US, 'cc' remains common in automotive (engine displacement) and medical contexts.
Frequency
Higher frequency in US English for engine sizes (e.g., 'a 1500cc engine'). In UK English, 'ml' is more frequent for liquid volumes in non-specialist contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cc” in a Sentence
cc someone on an emaila [number] cc engineadminister [number] ccVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cc” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Please cc the project manager on your reply.
- I'll cc you in once I've drafted the memo.
American English
- Make sure you cc the whole team.
- She cc'd the director for visibility.
adjective
British English
- The email had several cc recipients.
- Check the cc field before sending.
American English
- The cc list is in the header.
- He was a cc recipient on the thread.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Standard practice to cc relevant stakeholders on important email correspondence.
Academic
Used in scientific reports to denote precise volumes, e.g., '5 cc of solution was added.'
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation except when discussing engine sizes or email habits.
Technical
The primary context for the measurement meaning, used in engineering, medicine, and chemistry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cc”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cc”
- Pronouncing it as 'kak' or 'sek-sek'.
- Writing 'cc' in lowercase in formal email headers.
- Using 'cc' for weight instead of volume.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
For all practical purposes, yes: 1 cc = 1 ml. However, 'cc' is more common in technical/engineering fields, while 'ml' is preferred in medicine and cooking.
Yes. The standard past tense is 'cc'd' or 'cc'ed' (e.g., 'I cc'd you yesterday'). Both forms are accepted.
'Cc' (carbon copy) recipients are visible to all other recipients. 'Bcc' (blind carbon copy) recipients are hidden from everyone else on the email.
In technical speech, 'cc' is common (e.g., 'a fifteen-hundred cc engine'). In formal or non-technical contexts, 'cubic centimetres' or 'millilitres' may be clearer.
A unit of volume equal to one cubic centimetre, used especially in medicine and science.
Cc is usually technical, formal (in email context), informal (in spoken technical contexts). in register.
Cc: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsiː ˈsiː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsiː ˈsiː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cc'd and sealed”
- “on the cc list”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CC: Cubic Centimeter or Carbon Copy – both are about precise measurement or duplication.
Conceptual Metaphor
DUPLICATION IS COPYING (email); VOLUME IS SPACE (measurement).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'cc' LEAST likely to be used?