replicate

[ adjective noun rep-li-kit; verb rep-li-keyt ]

adjective

1. Also rep·li·cat·ed. folded; bent back on itself.

verb (used with object)

, rep·li·cat·ed, rep·li·cat·ing.

1. to bend or fold back:

   a replicated leaf.

2. to repeat, duplicate, or reproduce, especially for experimental purposes:

   We were unable to replicate the same results in the field.

3. Genetics. (of a cell) to make a copy of (its DNA):

   The cell replicates its DNA to begin the process of cell division.

verb (used without object)

, rep·li·cat·ed, rep·li·cat·ing.

1. (especially of DNA) to undergo replication;

   Our DNA replicates at a rate of 50 nucleotides per second.

noun

1. something that is replicated, as an experiment or procedure.

replicate

verb

1. also intr to make or be a copy of; reproduce
2. to fold (something) over on itself; bend back
3. to reply to

adjective

1. folded back on itself

   a replicate leaf

Derived Forms

• ˈreplicative, adjective

Other Words From

• non·rep·li·cate adjective
• non·rep·li·cated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of replicate¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Late Latin replicātus, past participle of replicāre “to fold back”; re-, ply ², -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of replicate¹

C19: from Latin replicātus bent back; see replica

Example Sentences

Tests with other organisms showed that the method can even replicate the root structure of fungi, called hyphae.

From Science Daily

In future work, they also plan to see if their findings can be replicated using an active comparison group and a larger sample.

From Science Daily

It is intended to replicate hunting without killing animals, but critics claim it can be used as a "smokescreen" for the real thing.

From BBC

The proposals replicate a change made south of the border by the UK government.

From BBC

March Town Council said it had been inundated with requests to try to replicate the "banana" shaped tree this year, and so it had asked its suppliers for one.

From BBC

Related Words

• clone
• depict
• duplicate
• imitate
• mirror
• reflect
• repeat
• reproduce
• simulate