clone

clone · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An organism or cell genetically identical to another from which it was derived.

  2. 2.

    To create a genetically identical copy of an organism.

  3. 3.

    A copy or duplicate of something.

  4. 4.

    To make an identical copy of something.

  5. 5.

    (computing) An exact copy of data or a system.

Forms

plural: clones

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    clone army — a group of identical copies
  • •
    attack of the clones — proliferation of copies (from Star Wars)
  • •
    clone wars — conflict involving clones

Related words

Antonyms: original, unique
See also: copy, duplicate, genetics, replica
Synonyms: copy, duplicate, replica, reproduction

Etymology

From Greek "klon" (twig, slip), referring to propagating plants from cuttings. The scientific sense of genetic copying emerged in the 20th century. The word entered broader usage after advances in molecular biology.