Dictionarymasteroriginal for copying
noun

master

An original version from which copies are made.

The engineer saves the finished audio master in a secure archive.

Etymology

Master suggests authority or primary status. A master copy is the controlling original from which other versions are produced.

More examples

  • All copies are made from the same master.
  • A scratch on the master appears in every print.
  • The studio keeps its original masters in climate-controlled storage.

Forms

master · masters

Similar words

original
Any first version, whether or not copies are made from it.
source
A source supplies material generally; a master is specifically the original used for reproductions.