noun
replicator
REHP-lih-kay-tuh
Replicator (noun) means something capable of copying itself, such as a gene or a self-spreading idea. Example: “Some scientists describe genes as replicators driven purely to make more copies of themselves.”
noun
1
Something capable of copying itself, such as a gene or a self-spreading idea.
"Some scientists describe genes as replicators driven purely to make more copies of themselves."
"We, alone on earth, can rebel against the tyranny of the selfish replicators."
— Richard Dawkins, The Selfish Gene (1976)
2
A device that produces physical copies of objects.
"In the show, crew members order meals from a replicator instead of cooking."
"either there is not such thing as a concept known as 'spacecraft' (inwhich case, any talk of spacecraft, warp drives, inertial dampers, replicators, and the like would be pointless), or indeed there is."
— Judith Barad, Ed Robertson (2001)
How to use replicator
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething — biological or mechanical — whose job is to make copies.
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Word forms
- Plural
- replicators
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Some scientists describe genes as _____ driven purely to make more copies of themselves.
Etymology
Formed from replicate and -or.
Rhymes for replicator
See all rhymes for replicator →Frequently asked questions
What does “replicator” mean?
The word “replicator” means something capable of copying itself, such as a gene or a self-spreading idea. In plain terms, something — biological or mechanical — whose job is to make copies.
How do you pronounce “replicator”?
“Replicator” is pronounced REHP-lih-kay-tuh (/ˈɹɛplɪkeɪtɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “replicator” in a sentence?
Here is “replicator” used in a sentence: “Some scientists describe genes as replicators driven purely to make more copies of themselves.”
What part of speech is “replicator”?
“Replicator” is a noun.
How many meanings does “replicator” have?
“Replicator” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something capable of copying itself, such as a gene or a self-spreading idea.
