Reproduction: meaning, definitions and examples

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reproduction

 

[ˌriːprəˈdʌkʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

biology

The action or process of making a copy of something; the production of offspring by a sexual or asexual process.

Synonyms

duplication, generation, procreation, replication.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reproduction

Use when referring to creating a copy of something, often in an artistic or scientific context. Can also refer to the biological process of producing offspring.

  • The museum displayed a reproduction of the famous painting.
  • Reproduction in mammals involves complex biological processes.
duplication

Use when referring to the exact copying of something, often in administrative, technical, or error-minimization contexts.

  • The system prevents data duplication to ensure accuracy.
  • They noticed a duplication of records in the database.
replication

Use when referring to the process of copying or reproducing, often used in scientific, technological, or experimental contexts.

  • Scientific experiments must undergo replication to confirm results.
  • The virus undergoes rapid replication inside the host cells.
procreation

Use when referring specifically to the biological process of producing offspring. Often used in formal or scientific contexts.

  • Procreation is an essential aspect of the survival of species.
  • Many animals have specific seasons for procreation.
generation

Use when referring to the process of creating something new, often used in technology, energy, or describing a new set of individuals born around the same time.

  • The new algorithm allows for the generation of realistic images.
  • Energy generation from renewable sources is increasing.

Examples of usage

  • The reproduction of cells is a fundamental process in biology.
  • Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of gametes.
Context #2 | Noun

art

The act of producing a copy or imitation of a work of art.

Synonyms

copy, imitation, replica.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reproduction

Used to describe something made to resemble or duplicate an original, especially in art.

  • The museum displayed a reproduction of the famous painting
  • This reproduction is nearly identical to the original piece
copy

A general term for any object or piece of information that has been made to look like another, often used in both formal and informal settings.

  • I need a copy of the report for the meeting
  • She gave me a copy of her homework to review
replica

Emphasizes an exact or very close duplication of an original, often used for art, collectibles, or models.

  • The museum has a replica of an ancient Greek statue
  • He built a replica of the Eiffel Tower for his school project
imitation

Usually refers to something made to resemble another thing, often implying that it is of lower quality or not genuine.

  • He bought an imitation leather jacket
  • The jewelry was just an imitation, not real gold

Examples of usage

  • The reproduction of famous paintings allows more people to enjoy the artwork.
Context #3 | Noun

printing

The process of printing more copies of a document or image.

Synonyms

copying, duplicating, printing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reproduction

Used in formal contexts to refer to the act of making a copy of something, often artwork or written text.

  • The museum displayed a reproduction of the famous painting.
  • The book included high-quality reproductions of historical documents.
copying

Commonly used in everyday conversation to describe the act of making a duplicate of a document, paper, or file.

  • I spent all afternoon copying the report for the meeting.
  • She got in trouble for copying her friend's homework.
duplicating

Often used in technical or business settings to describe the process of making an exact copy of a digital file, data, or physical document.

  • The company uses specialized software for duplicating data backups.
  • They are duplicating the keys for the new office.
printing

Most appropriate when referring to the process of producing text and images on a physical medium, such as paper, usually with the aid of a printer or press.

  • She is printing the flyers for the school event.
  • The printing of the new brochure will start next week.

Examples of usage

  • The reproduction of the magazine was flawless.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • All living organisms, from the smallest bacteria to the largest mammals, have ways to reproduce, ensuring the survival of their species.
  • Some species can reproduce asexually, meaning they can create babies without a partner, like how a starfish can grow a new arm.
  • In sexual reproduction, two parents contribute genetic material, mixing traits to create unique offspring, which increases diversity.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures celebrate birth and the idea of continuing family lines, often marking a newborn's arrival with special rituals and ceremonies.
  • In literature and art, themes of reproduction often explore the cycle of life, love, and continuity, examining the bond between parents and their children.

Ethics

  • Discussions around reproduction can include ethical considerations, such as reproductive rights and technologies like in vitro fertilization.
  • Modern advancements raise questions about genetic engineering in reproduction, leading to debates over the moral implications of 'designer babies.'

Evolutionary Biology

  • The evolution of different reproductive methods has allowed species to adapt to their environments, influencing survival rates and population dynamics.
  • Some organisms, like certain frogs, can change their reproductive strategies based on environmental conditions, showcasing adaptability in nature.

Education

  • Health education often includes information about reproduction, emphasizing the importance of safe practices and understanding human biology.
  • Sex education programs in schools aim to provide accurate information about reproduction, anatomy, and relationships to empower youth.

Translations

Translations of the word "reproduction" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reprodução

🇮🇳 प्रजनन

🇩🇪 Fortpflanzung

🇮🇩 reproduksi

🇺🇦 розмноження

🇵🇱 reprodukcja

🇯🇵 生殖 (せいしょく)

🇫🇷 reproduction

🇪🇸 reproducción

🇹🇷 üreme

🇰🇷 생식 (saengsik)

🇸🇦 تكاثر

🇨🇿 reprodukce

🇸🇰 reprodukcia

🇨🇳 繁殖 (fánzhí)

🇸🇮 reprodukcija

🇮🇸 æxlun

🇰🇿 көбею

🇬🇪 გამრავლება

🇦🇿 çoxalma

🇲🇽 reproducción

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,457, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.