Words / B2

KLOHN/kləʊn/

A clone is an organism or cell that is a genetic copy; as a verb, to make that copy, or (informal) an identical product: a cloned sheep; clone a device. Copy is broader; identical twin is a natural comparison, not a lab clone. The biology paper asks how a clone is produced. Mix-up: clown (already in the dictionary); cologne. Do not write clone for a respectful summary of someone else’s idea without the genetic or product sense.

Meaning

An organism or cell that is a genetic copy of another; as a verb, to make that copy, or (informal) an identical copy of a product.

Examples

• “The biology paper asks how a clone is produced, not a sci-fi plot.”
• “A clone of the app still needs the licence line, which is the product-copy sense.”

Good to know

a clone of; clone + cell / organism / device; cloned. Broader: copy. Trap: clown. Biology, ICT, and news. A genetic (or informal product) copy, not a twin by birth.

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