What does "replicate" mean?

1. (to copy or reproduce) to make an exact copy of something. 2. (to repeat an experiment) to do a scientific test again to see if you get the same answer. 3. (an exact copy) an exact copy of something, especially one used in a scientific test. 4. (folded back) folded over or back on itself.

How do you use "replicate"?

Often used in technical or digital contexts rather than for simple artistic copying. Usually takes a study, experiment, or finding as its direct object.

replicate

v. · n. · adj.

US //ˈɹɛpɫəˌkeɪt// UK //ɹˈɛplɪkˌeɪt// repli·cate

1 to copy or reproduce (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to make an exact copy of something.

to produce a precise copy or reproduction of an object, process, or piece of data.

Example

The researchers were able to replicate the virus in a controlled lab environment.

Example

The software was designed to replicate the user's desktop settings across multiple devices automatically to ensure a seamless workflow.

Usage

Often used in technical or digital contexts rather than for simple artistic copying.
- originate
- create
2 to repeat an experiment (v.)
C1 Advanced Academic Science

to do a scientific test again to see if you get the same answer.

to repeat a scientific experiment or trial under the same conditions to verify previous findings.

Example

Other scientists tried to replicate the study, but they got different results.

Example

Failure to replicate the original findings led the journal to retract the paper, highlighting the importance of rigorous methodology in clinical trials.

Usage

Usually takes a study, experiment, or finding as its direct object.
- repeat
- verify

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3 an exact copy (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Science

an exact copy of something, especially one used in a scientific test.

a precise copy or reproduction; in statistics, one of several identical experiments performed simultaneously.

Example

The team ran three replicates of the test to make sure the data was accurate.

Example

Each replicate was treated with a different concentration of the enzyme to determine the optimal reaction rate for the final synthesis.
- replica
- duplicate
- original
4 folded back (adj.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Science

folded over or back on itself.

folded back or doubled upon itself.

Example

The botanist noticed the replicate leaves on the rare plant species.

Example

The specimen was identified by its replicate margins, a characteristic feature that distinguishes it from similar species in the region.

Teacher's tip

This sense is highly specialised and restricted to botany or zoology; general learners will likely never encounter it.
- folded
- bent

Origin

From Latin replicātus, past participle of replicāre (“to fold or bend back; reply”), from re (“back”) + plicāre (“to fold”); see ply. Doublet of reply and replica.