replicate

American  

[rep-li-kit, rep-li-keyt] / ˈrɛp lɪ kɪt, ˈrɛp lɪˌkeɪt /

adjective

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

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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 British  

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

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adjective

1. folded back on itself

   a replicate leaf

Other Word Forms

• nonreplicate
  adjective
• nonreplicated
  adjective
• replicative
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of replicate

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

Explanation

Did you just figure out how to make that excellent pizza you had in Philadelphia? Then what you’ve done is replicate it, meaning you’ve been able to reproduce it. The word replicate carries different shades of meaning, but it generally involves repeating something. Students of biology will know that the word is often used to indicate that an exact duplicate has been made, such as chromosomes that replicate themselves. It can also be used in an unscientific sense to mean that something has been done again to match or repeat an earlier outcome, such as a political group that works to replicate a successful campaign.

Example Sentences

“We believe the platform would be extraordinarily difficult, time-consuming, and expensive to replicate, particularly as blockbuster filmmaking becomes increasingly optimized around premium formats and immersive theatrical experiences,” he added.

From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026

Labor economists and union supporters said union victories in New York City could be hard to replicate elsewhere, but across the country unions have been flexing a bit more muscle in recent years.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

The answer is building more homes, more quickly, he said, including by reducing building fees and streamlining permitting processes — which he said he has done in San José and would replicate statewide as governor.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

Microsoft 365 remains deeply embedded in corporate workflows, which is hard to replicate for competitors, said Ackman in the X post.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

With screams of pain Ron, Hermione, and the two goblins were knocked aside into other objects, which also began to replicate.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling

Related Words

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