# clone

/ˈkɫoʊn/ (US) · /klˈəʊn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clone
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. biological copy

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

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

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

- 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.

### 2. identical person

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a person who looks or acts exactly like someone else.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. imitation product

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. to create a copy

verb · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- Scientists successfully created a clone of the sheep.
- The new smartphone is a cheap clone of the leading brand's flagship model.
- Ethical debates surrounding the possibility of a human clone often focus on the psychological impact of being a genetic duplicate of another individual.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.