Clone Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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clone

[kləʊn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

science

An organism or cell, or group of organisms or cells, produced asexually from one ancestor or stock, to which they are genetically identical.

Synonyms

copy, duplicate, replica.

Examples of usage

  • Scientists have successfully created a clone of the sheep named Dolly.
  • The clone exhibited the same physical characteristics as its parent.
  • Cloning has been a topic of debate due to ethical concerns.
  • The process of creating a clone involves replicating the genetic material.
  • Clones can be used in various research fields.
Context #2 | Verb

technology

To make an identical copy of something.

Synonyms

copy, duplicate, replicate.

Examples of usage

  • The company decided to clone their successful product to cater to a larger market.
  • He cloned the hard drive to ensure data redundancy.
  • Cloning software allows users to duplicate their files effortlessly.
  • They were able to clone the original painting with remarkable precision.
  • The process of cloning requires attention to detail and accuracy.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Dolly the sheep, born in 1996, was the first mammal to be cloned from an adult cell, demonstrating that cloning could recreate full organisms.
  • Cloning is used in agriculture to reproduce plants with desirable traits, ensuring consistent quality and yield.
  • Scientists also explore cloning for medical purposes, like creating tissues or organs that match a patient's genetic information.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'The Island' and 'Jurassic Park' explore themes related to cloning, often raising ethical questions about cloning technology.
  • Video games, such as 'Starcraft,' feature cloning as a way to create soldiers or characters with enhanced abilities.

Ethics

  • Cloning raises important ethical discussions about identity and individual rights, especially concerning animals and humans.
  • Many countries have regulations governing cloning practices, particularly with regard to human cloning, which is largely banned.

Literature

  • Famous novels like 'Brave New World' and 'Never Let Me Go' explore the implications of cloning in society, addressing issues of humanity and autonomy.
  • Cloning is often a central theme in science fiction, prompting thoughts about the future of human evolution and genetic manipulation.

Origin of 'clone'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'clone' comes from the Greek word 'klon,' which means 'a twig' or 'a branch,' reflecting how plants can be cloned from cuttings.
  • The word gained popularity in biological sciences during the 20th century as scientists started experimenting with copy-making techniques in cells.

The term 'clone' originates from the Greek word 'klōn' which means 'twig' or 'branch'. The modern usage of 'clone' was first introduced in the field of biology to describe the asexual reproduction of genetically identical organisms. Over time, the concept of cloning expanded to technology and other fields, sparking ethical debates and scientific advancements.


See also: clonable, cloning.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,572, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.