replication

noun

rep·​li·​ca·​tion ˌre-plə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce replication (audio)
1
a
b(1)
: an answer to a reply : rejoinder
(2)
: a plaintiff's reply to a defendant's plea, answer, or counterclaim
2
3
b
: the action or process of reproducing or duplicating
replication of DNA
viral replication
4
: performance of an experiment or procedure more than once

Examples of replication in a Sentence

bought a smaller and cheaper replication of the marble statue for his garden we'll need to do a replication of that experiment so we can collect more data
Recent Examples on the Web The bring-your-own-model culture of sharing breeds direct replication of cutting-edge advances that proprietary groups wouldn't reveal behind closed doors. Runde 'perseus' Yang, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 Then the entire production manifest is sent to partner factories in Bangladesh or Vietnam that are equipped with identical machines and materials, ensuring precise replication even when production is ramped up by a factor of thousands. Time, 13 Nov. 2023 STRs themselves may arise in several ways — for example, through errors in DNA replication or the activity of DNA segments called transposable elements that make copies of themselves throughout the genome. Philip Ball, Quanta Magazine, 14 Feb. 2024 The genes in the orthogonal system are copied with an extraordinarily error-prone DNA replication enzyme, which spurs rapid evolution by generating many random mutations. Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, 5 Feb. 2024 Tyrell Corp in Blade Runner probably owned 45-50% of the world, and one of his playthings was creating replication through DNA. Marlow Stern, Rolling Stone, 24 Nov. 2023 The replication and move are factors that preservationists say may diminish the historic value of the site. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2024 Related The Madame Tussauds location in Orlando, Fla., unveiled its model of the 29-year-old pop star Monday (Dec. 18), with the life-size duplicate featuring detailed replications of everything from Styles’ dark curls and freckles to the tattoos inked on his chest. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 18 Dec. 2023 The agreement would permit SAG-AFTRA members, specifically voice performers, to work with Replica to create digital replications of their voices. Ash Parrish, The Verge, 11 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'replication.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English replicacioun "answer, rejoinder, argument, repetition," borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French replicacion "answer to an argument or statement of an opponent," borrowed from Late Latin replicātiōn-, replicātiō "act of bending or folding, repetition, reply, replication in court," going back to Latin, "contrary rotation, replication," from replicāre "to turn back on itself, bend back, go over (a thought, topic) repeatedly, make a replication" (Late Latin also "to restore, repeat, reply") + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at replicate entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of replication was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near replication

Cite this Entry

“Replication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/replication. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

replication

noun
rep·​li·​ca·​tion ˌrep-lə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce replication (audio)
1
: very exact copying or duplication
2
: an act or process of copying or duplication

Medical Definition

replication

noun
rep·​li·​ca·​tion ˌrep-lə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce replication (audio)
1
: the action or process of reproducing or duplicating
replication of DNA
2
: performance of an experiment or procedure more than once

Legal Definition

replication

noun
rep·​li·​ca·​tion ˌre-plə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce replication (audio)
: reply
Etymology

Anglo-French, from Middle French, from Late Latin replicatio, from Latin, action of folding back, from replicare to fold back

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