English · Word Candidate

replicate

/ˈɹɛplɪkeɪt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: replicates · replicating · replicated

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To make a copy (replica) of.

Verb

Examples

On entering a host cell, a virus will start to replicate.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To repeat (an experiment or trial) with a consistent result.

Verb

Examples

[Isaac Newton] was obsessed with alchemy. He spent hours copying alchemical recipes and trying to replicate them in his laboratory. He believed that the Bible contained numerological codes.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

The outcome of a replication procedure; an exact copy or replica.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

A tone that is one or more octaves away from a given tone.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “replicate” mean?

To make a copy (replica) of.

Is “replicate” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.