ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cloning

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkɫoʊnɪŋ// UK //klˈəʊnɪŋ// cloning

n. the process of making an exact copy of a living thing, like a plant or an animal. Scientists do this by using the original creature's DNA.

n. the process of producing genetically identical individuals of an organism either naturally or artificially. In a laboratory context, it involves replicating biological material such as DNA fragments, cells, or whole organisms.


SIMPLE

Scientists are studying the cloning of endangered species.

CONTEXTUAL

The ethical debate surrounding human cloning has led many countries to pass strict laws against the practice.

COMPLEX

While therapeutic cloning aims to create stem cells for medical treatment, reproductive cloning remains a highly controversial subject due to its profound social and biological implications.

Synonyms
Usage

Often functions as a gerund; when used in a technical sense, it typically does not take a plural form.

© 2026 English Reference