Clone Meaning and Definition
Clone
Pronunciation
/kloʊn/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A copy or replica of something, made by a process of cell division in living organisms, or created artificially through technology or duplication. Can also refer to a person who is genetically identical to another, often used in the context of genetic engineering or cloning.
Examples
- The scientist created a clone of the extinct species.
- The company used cloning technology to produce identical products.
Synonyms
- Copy
- Replica
- Duplicate
Antonyms
- Original
- Singular
Additional Information
Cloning has applications in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. It allows for the creation of genetically identical organisms, which can lead to new treatments and cures for diseases. However, cloning has also raised ethical concerns and debates about the use of human cloning technology.
Etymology
The word “clone” comes from the Greek word “klon”, meaning “twig” or “sprout”, and was first used in the context of biology in the 19th century.
Usage Notes
The term “clone” is often used in popular culture to refer to a copy or replica, but it can also be used in scientific contexts to describe the process of creating genetically identical organisms.
Cultural References
The word “clone” has appeared in various forms of media, such as the science fiction movie “The Clone Wars” and the TV show “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”, which features a character named Data who is an android clone.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Clone Wars: a reference to a fictional conflict in which identical clones are used as soldiers.
Related Words or Phrases
- Genetic engineering
- Biotechnology
- Carbon copy
Collocations
- Clone army
- Clone factory
- Clone laboratory
Frequency of Use
The word “clone” is a relatively common term in modern language, used in both scientific and popular contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Clona