Spice giving copper some time (5)
I believe the answer is:
cumin
'spice' is the definition.
(cumin is a spice)
'giving copper some time' is the wordplay.
'giving' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'copper' becomes 'cu' (chemical symbol).
'some time' becomes 'min' (short for minute).
'cu' put next to 'min' is 'CUMIN'.
(Other definitions for cumin that I've seen before include "Spice used in chilli and curry powder" , "Spice seeds" , "Aromatic seeds used for flavouring" , "Aromatic seeds used as condiment" , "Aromatic seeds used in cooking" .)