What does "clone" mean?

1. (biological copy) a plant or animal that has the exact same genes as another because it was grown from one of its cells. 2. (identical person) a person who looks or acts exactly like someone else. 3. (imitation product) a product that is a copy of a famous or successful one. 4. (to create a copy) to make an exact copy of a living thing or a digital file.

How do you use "clone"?

Often used with 'of' to indicate the source organism. Commonly used in the context of hardware and software compatibility.

clone

n. · v.

US //ˈkɫoʊn// UK //klˈəʊn// clone

1 biological copy (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

a plant or animal that has the exact same genes as another because it was grown from one of its cells.

an organism or cell produced asexually from one ancestor, to which it is genetically identical.

Example

Dolly the sheep was the first mammal to be created as a clone from an adult cell.

Example

Advances in genetic engineering have made it possible to produce a biological clone, though the ethical implications remain a subject of intense global debate.

Usage

Often used with 'of' to indicate the source organism.
- duplicate
- copy
- original
2 identical person (n.)
C1 Advanced Informal

a person who looks or acts exactly like someone else.

a person who closely resembles another in appearance, behaviour, or character. Often used to imply a lack of individuality.

Example

The two brothers are clones; they even wear the same style of glasses.

Example

The corporate culture was so rigid that the employees began to look like clones, all wearing the same grey suits and using the same professional jargon.

Teacher's tip

This sense is often slightly negative, suggesting the person has no original personality.
- lookalike
- double
- copy
- individual

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3 imitation product (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

a product that is a copy of a famous or successful one.

a product, especially in computing or electronics, designed to simulate or mimic the functionality of a well-known brand.

Example

He bought a cheap clone of the expensive smartphone, but the battery didn't last long.

Example

During the 1980s, the market was flooded with inexpensive PC clones that were fully compatible with the industry-standard hardware.

Usage

Commonly used in the context of hardware and software compatibility.
- original
- prototype
4 to create a copy (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to make an exact copy of a living thing or a digital file.

to produce a genetic or digital duplicate of an entity. Takes a direct object.

Example

The scientist hopes to clone the extinct bird using DNA found in a museum.

Example

The software allows you to clone your entire hard drive so you have a perfect backup if the computer fails.

Origin

Coined (in botany) in 1903, based on Ancient Greek κλών (klṓn, “twig”). Figurative use from the 1970s.