Can I have a simple, easy to understand def. of copyright?

Question

Can I have a simple, easy to understand def. of copyright?

Answer 1

The legal right granted to an author, composer, playwright, publisher, or distributor to exclusive publication, production, sale, or distribution of a literary, musical, dramatic, or artistic work

Also:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright

Answer 2

The sole right to make copies, and to grant that right to others.  That includes ALL copies - so if you download music (make a copy of it on your computer) you're violating copyright.

There is a fair use provision, however.  If I, say, quote a line in a book (mentioning where it came from, of course), that's fair use.