Surrogate: meaning, definitions and examples

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surrogate

 

[ ˈsʌrəɡət ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in technology

A surrogate is a substitute or replacement for something else. In technology, a surrogate can refer to a placeholder object that represents another object. It is commonly used in programming and database management.

Synonyms

proxy, replacement, stand-in, substitute

Examples of usage

  • Developers use surrogates to optimize the performance of their applications.
  • The surrogate key in a database table helps uniquely identify each record.
Context #2 | Noun

in genetics

In genetics, a surrogate can refer to a mother that carries a child on behalf of another person or couple. This process is known as surrogacy and involves the implantation of an embryo into the surrogate mother.

Synonyms

gestational carrier, stand-in, substitute, surrogate mother

Examples of usage

  • The couple opted for surrogacy to fulfill their dream of having a child.
  • The surrogate mother provided a nurturing environment for the developing fetus.

Translations

Translations of the word "surrogate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 substituto

🇮🇳 प्रतिनिधि

🇩🇪 Ersatz

🇮🇩 pengganti

🇺🇦 заступник

🇵🇱 zastępca

🇯🇵 代理

🇫🇷 substitut

🇪🇸 sustituto

🇹🇷 vekil

🇰🇷 대리

🇸🇦 بديل

🇨🇿 náhradník

🇸🇰 náhradník

🇨🇳 代理

🇸🇮 nadomestek

🇮🇸 staðgengill

🇰🇿 орынбасар

🇬🇪 მონაცვლე

🇦🇿 əvəzlik

🇲🇽 sustituto

Etymology

The word 'surrogate' originates from the Latin word 'surrogatus', which means 'substituted'. It first appeared in English in the mid-17th century. The concept of surrogacy has evolved over time, with technological advancements allowing for new methods of assisted reproduction. Surrogacy has become a complex legal and ethical issue in many countries, raising questions about parental rights, genetic relationships, and the commercialization of reproduction.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,340, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.