replication

noun

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

Synonyms

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Acton Academy’s growth to over 300 schools showcases the potential for replication but also highlights the pitfalls of decentralized management. — Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 Typically, during the replication and spread of the virus, the child does not feel sick. — Emily Baumgaertner Nunn, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025 Suppressing viral genome replication and viral protein expression 5. — Marley Hall, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2025 Security also needs special consideration, as shipping proprietary models to client-side browsers risks exposure and unauthorized replication. — Anujkumarsinh Donvir, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for replication

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

Rhymes for replication

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Browse Nearby Words

replicatile
replication
replicative
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Replication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/replication. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on replication

Nglish: Translation of replication for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about replication

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