Replicator: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in science fiction to describe a machine capable of creating exact copies of objects, often at an atomic level.

• The ship's replicator provided a hot cup of tea instantly.
• In the futuristic lab, the replicator was used to produce essential supplies.

Commonly used in offices to describe a machine that produces paper copies of documents.

• I need to use the copy machine to make copies of these reports.
• The office copy machine broke down, causing a delay in the document distribution.

Used in biological or futuristic contexts to describe a machine that can create a genetically identical copy of a living organism.

• The scientist used the cloning device to create an identical sheep.
• In the sci-fi novel, the villains had a cloning device to replicate themselves.

Used to describe a machine or device that creates copies of documents, disks, or other items, usually in a bulk or automated manner.

• The CD duplicator can produce hundreds of copies in an hour.
• We used the duplicator to print the event flyers.