Definitions
01biological copy
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science Technical
n. a plant or animal that has the exact same genes as another because it was grown from one of its cells.
n. an organism or cell produced asexually from one ancestor, to which it is genetically identical.
日本語:クローン※
“Dolly the sheep was the first mammal to be created as a clone from an adult cell.”
“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.
Antonyms
02identical person
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal
n. a person who looks or acts exactly like someone else.
n. a person who closely resembles another in appearance, behaviour, or character. Often used to imply a lack of individuality.
“The two brothers are clones; they even wear the same style of glasses.”
“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.”
Teaching tip
This sense is often slightly negative, suggesting the person has no original personality.
Antonyms
03imitation product
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Computing
n. a product that is a copy of a famous or successful one.
n. a product, especially in computing or electronics, designed to simulate or mimic the functionality of a well-known brand.
“He bought a cheap clone of the expensive smartphone, but the battery didn't last long.”
“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.
04to create a copy
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to make an exact copy of a living thing or a digital file.
v. to produce a genetic or digital duplicate of an entity. Takes a direct object.
“The scientist hopes to clone the extinct bird using DNA found in a museum.”
“The software allows you to clone your entire hard drive so you have a perfect backup if the computer fails.”
Real-World Examples
“A cloned voice can’t answer your grandson’s real phone.” “The link supplied in the message leads to a clone of the SLC site and students are asked to input their details.” Etymology
Coined (in botany) in 1903, based on Ancient Greek κλών (klṓn, “twig”). Figurative use from the 1970s.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/clone
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「日本語」「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0