duplication
Americannoun
-
an act or instance of duplicating.
-
the state of being duplicated.
-
a duplicate.
-
Genetics. a type of chromosomal aberration in which a region of the chromosome is repeated.
noun
-
the act of duplicating or the state of being duplicated
-
a copy; duplicate
-
genetics a mutation in which there are two or more copies of a gene or of a segment of a chromosome
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of duplication
1490–1500; (< Anglo-French ) < Latin duplicātiōn- (stem of duplicātiō ), equivalent to duplicāt ( us ) ( see duplicate) + -iōn- -ion
Explanation
A replica or copy of something is a duplication, and the process of making it is also duplication. Duplication of important computer files is always a good idea — that way you have a backup if you accidentally delete something or your laptop malfunctions. The earliest meaning of duplication was "act of doubling," from the Latin duplicare, "to double." By the 1580s, it gained the sense of "an act of making or repeating something essentially the same." Duplication can be as simple as making paper copies (or duplicates) with a Xerox machine, or as complicated as certain genetic processes in which parts of DNA are repeated.
Vocabulary lists containing duplication
It Takes Two: Diplo
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Vocabulary from Readings 4, Unit 1
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Too little MeCP2 leads to Rett syndrome, while excessive amounts cause another neurological disorder known as MECP2 Duplication Syndrome.
From Science Daily • Mar. 6, 2026
Duplication of equipment could be avoided by concentrating it at regional or national research centers.
From Science Magazine • Apr. 12, 2023
Duplication of majors and minors will be eliminated in the effort to save $100 million system-wide.
From Washington Times • Jun. 2, 2017
Duplication isn’t likely because, as Williams cautioned, “We know in this game nothing is automatic.”
From Washington Post • Jun. 27, 2015
"Duplication of effort," Doc replied, patiently allowing Buttonhole to retain his grip.
From At the Post by Gold, H. L. (Horace Leonard)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
