clone

[klohn]

noun

1. Biology.

   1. a cell, cell product, or organism that is genetically identical to the unit or individual from which it was derived.

   2. a population of identical units, cells, or individuals that derive from the same ancestral line.

2. a person or thing that duplicates, imitates, or closely resembles another in appearance, function, performance, or style: Several manufacturers made off-brand clones of the popular game console.

   All the fashion models seemed to be clones of one another.

   Several manufacturers made off-brand clones of the popular game console.

verb (used with object)

cloned, cloning 

1. to produce a copy or imitation of.

2. to copy identifying information from (a mobile device, credit card, security badge, etc.), usually for the purpose of identity theft or unauthorized security access.

   They cloned my key card and used the copy to steal all the valuables from my hotel room.

3. Biology.

   1. to cause to grow as a clone.

   2. to separate (a batch of cells or cell products) so that each portion produces only its own kind.

verb (used without object)

cloned, cloning 

1. Biology.,  to grow as a clone.

clone

/ kləʊn /

noun

1. a group of organisms or cells of the same genetic constitution that are descended from a common ancestor by asexual reproduction, as by cuttings, grafting, etc, in plants

2. Also called: gene clone. a segment of DNA that has been isolated and replicated by laboratory manipulation: used to analyse genes and manufacture their products (proteins)

3. informal,  a person or thing bearing a very close resemblance to another person or thing

4. slang

   1. a mobile phone that has been given the electronic identity of an existing mobile phone, so that calls made on the second phone are charged to the owner of the first phone

   2. any similar object or device, such as a credit card, that has been given the electronic identity of another device usually in order to commit theft

verb

1. to produce or cause to produce a clone

2. informal,  to produce near copies (of a person or thing)

3. slang,  (tr) to give (a mobile phone, etc) the electronic identity of an existing mobile phone (or other device), so that calls, purchases, etc made with the second device are charged to the owner of the first device

clone

1. A cell, group of cells, or organism that is produced asexually from and is genetically identical to a single ancestor. The cells of an individual plant or animal, except for gametes and some cells of the immune system, are clones because they all descend from a single fertilized cell and are genetically identical. A clone may be produced by fission, in the case of single-celled organisms, by budding, as in the hydra, or in the laboratory by putting the nucleus of a diploid cell into an egg that has had its nucleus removed. Some plants can produce clones from horizontal stems, such as runners. Clones of other cells and some plants and animals can also be produced in a laboratory.

2. See also therapeutic cloning

3. A copy of a sequence of DNA, as from a gene, that is produced by genetic engineering. The clone is then transplanted into the nucleus of a cell from which genetic material has been removed.

1. To produce or grow a cell, group of cells, or organism from a single original cell.

2. To make identical copies of a DNA sequence.

3. See more at genetic engineering

clone

1. A living system that is genetically identical to its ancestor (that is, it has exactly the same DNA molecules). Because each cell contains the DNA molecules that characterize an individual, it is, in principle, possible to replicate, or reproduce, complex living systems in the laboratory.

There is a major debate on the ethical aspects (see bioethics) of cloning, especially as applied to human beings. Therapeutic cloning involves the placing of adult DNA in an egg for the express purpose of creating stem cells for medical purposes. Reproductive cloning involves the placement of adult DNA into an egg and the implantation of the egg into a uterus for the purpose of creating a viable fetus.

The first cloned mammal, a sheep named Dolly, was born in Scotland in 1996. DNA from an adult donor was placed into an egg, which was then implanted in the uterus of another sheep. Since that time, mice, cows, and pigs have been cloned.

Clone is often used informally to indicate a close copy or resemblance: “This new computer is a clone of the IBM model.”

Other Word Forms

• clonal adjective
• clonally adverb
• cloner noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of clone¹

First recorded in 1900–05; from Greek klṓn “a slip, twig”

Word History and Origins

Origin of clone¹

C20: from Greek klōn twig, shoot; related to klan to break

Example Sentences

It isn’t just television news that is being cloned by bots.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

As more brands experiment with AI models and digital clones, fashion workers are wrestling with how to stay relevant in a field that’s already fiercely competitive.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

So far, the technique is like the one used to create Dolly the Sheep – the world's first cloned mammal – born back in 1996.

Read more on BBC

“Unauthorized use of AI to clone an artist’s voice exploits their identity, undermines their artistry, and threatens the fundamental integrity of their work,” Spotify said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A new deal between the actors’ union and an AI startup opens the door for performers to make and license “clones” of their voices for video games and other digital projects.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• duplicate 
• replicate 
• reproduce