replicate

[rep-li-kit, rep-li-keyt]

adjective

1. Also replicated. folded; bent back on itself.

verb (used with object)

replicated, replicating 

1. to bend or fold back.

   a replicated leaf.

2. to repeat, duplicate, or reproduce, especially for experimental purposes.

   We were unable to replicate the same results in the field.

3. Genetics.,  (of a cell) to make a copy of (its DNA).

   The cell replicates its DNA to begin the process of cell division.

verb (used without object)

replicated, replicating 

1. (especially of DNA) to undergo replication;

   Our DNA replicates at a rate of 50 nucleotides per second.

noun

1. something that is replicated, as an experiment or procedure.

replicate

verb

1. (also intr) to make or be a copy of; reproduce

2. to fold (something) over on itself; bend back

3. to reply to

adjective

1. folded back on itself

   a replicate leaf

Other Word Forms

• replicative adjective
• nonreplicate adjective
• nonreplicated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of replicate¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Late Latin replicātus, past participle of replicāre “to fold back”; re-, ply ², -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of replicate¹

C19: from Latin replicātus bent back; see _replica

Example Sentences

She said the area, for decades, has attracted migrants looking to replicate their birthplace’s culture.

From Los Angeles Times

Reverse transcriptase is also used by a unique family of viruses, known as retroviruses, to replicate themselves.

From Los Angeles Times

When a virus replicates in its host, it produces millions of copies of its genetic material.

From Salon

Only, to this point, Hernández has struggled to replicate that same intangible magic.

From Los Angeles Times

Harbaugh has won at each of his previous coaching stops, inspiring confidence around the Chargers that it’s a matter of time until he replicates those results with them.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• clone 
• depict 
• duplicate 
• imitate 
• mirror 
• reflect 
• repeat 
• reproduce 
• simulate