Definition

1. Noun:

   • A group of genetically identical cells or organisms derived from a single cell or individual by asexual reproduction: This is the primary biological meaning, referring to an exact genetic copy.
   • An unauthorized copy or imitation: This meaning extends to non-biological contexts, describing something that is a direct, often illegal, duplicate of something else.
   • A person who is almost identical to another: Used informally to describe someone who looks, dresses, or acts very similarly to another person.

2. Verb:

   • To make multiple identical copies of: The action of creating a genetic duplicate of a cell or organism.
   • To produce a copy or imitation of: The action of replicating something exactly, such as digital data or a product.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The scientist studied a clone of the original bacteria. (Referring to genetically identical cells.)
  • That cheap phone is just a clone of the popular brand. (Referring to an unauthorized imitation.)
  • He's such a clone of his older brother in both style and mannerisms. (Referring to a person who is very similar.)

• Verb:

  • Researchers have learned how to clone certain types of animals. (Making a genetic copy.)
  • The company was accused of trying to clone its competitor's successful software. (Producing an imitation.)

Advanced Usage

• "To be a clone of": To be an exact or near-exact duplicate of something or someone.

  • The new operating system is essentially a clone of the market leader.

• In computing: Refers to creating an exact copy of a hardware system, software environment, or data set.

  • The IT department will clone the hard drive for backup purposes.

Variants and Related Words

• Cloning (n): The process or technique of making a clone.

  • The ethics of human cloning are widely debated.

• Clonal (adj): Relating to or characteristic of a clone.

  • The plants showed clonal growth, spreading from a single root system.

Synonyms

• Noun: Copy, duplicate, replica, double, lookalike.
• Verb: Copy, replicate, duplicate, reproduce.

Related Phrases

• Clone around (informal, phrasal verb): To spend time idly or aimlessly with a group of very similar people. (Note: This is a less common, informal usage).
  • He just clones around with his buddies from the gym all day.

Related Idioms

• A carbon clone: An idiom emphasizing an exact duplicate (from "carbon copy").
  • The sequel was a carbon clone of the first movie, with no new ideas.

Noun

1. an unauthorized copy or imitation
2. a group of genetically identical cells or organisms derived from a single cell or individual by some kind of asexual reproduction
3. a person who is almost identical to another

Verb

1. make multiple identical copies of
   • people can clone a sheep nowadays