mimic

[ mim-ik ]

verb (used with object)

, mim·icked, mim·ick·ing.

1. to imitate or copy in action, speech, etc., often playfully or derisively.

   Synonyms: counterfeit, simulate, impersonate, mock, follow

2. to imitate in a servile or unthinking way; ape.
3. to be an imitation of; simulate; resemble closely.

noun

1. a person who mimics, especially a performer skilled in mimicking others.
2. a copy or imitation of something.
3. a performer in a mime.

adjective

1. imitating or copying something, often on a smaller scale:

   a mimic battle.

   Synonyms: mock

2. apt at or given to imitating; imitative; simulative.

mimic

/ ˈmɪmɪk /

verb

1. to imitate (a person, a manner, etc), esp for satirical effect; ape

   known mainly for his ability to mimic other singers

2. to take on the appearance of; resemble closely

   certain flies mimic wasps

3. to copy closely or in a servile manner

noun

1. a person or an animal, such as a parrot, that is clever at mimicking
2. an animal that displays mimicry

adjective

1. of, relating to, or using mimicry; imitative
2. simulated, make-believe, or mock

Derived Forms

• ˈmimicker, noun

Other Words From

• mimick·er noun
• un·mimicked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mimic¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin mīmicus, from Greek mīmikós; equivalent to mime + -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of mimic¹

C16: from Latin mīmicus, from Greek mimikos, from mimos mime

Example Sentences

The research can mimic laboratory phenomena typically found in astrophysical objects like magnetars, supernovae, and the regions in the vicinity of black holes.

From Science Daily

To produce plant-based meat alternatives, the ingredients are combined to mimic animal muscle tissue, and then supplemented with additives such as flavor enhancers.

From Salon

By borrowing the idea of directed evolution, a technique used in both chemistry and biology that mimics the process of natural selection, the researchers combined precision with rapid output to achieve their ideal lipid "recipe."

From Science Daily

They could thereby assemble the chlorophyll molecules into two different forms, namely columnar stacks and discrete aggregates, mimicking the circular and tubular arrangements seen in photosynthetic bacteria.

From Science Daily

The research team applied this principle to the new pressure release valve: a flexible membrane mimics the opening movement of the plant trap and reacts to critical pressure increases in the speaking valve.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• mime