clone
UK: kləʊn | US: kloʊn
n. an organism or cell produced asexually from one ancestor, genetically identical to it
vt. to create a genetically identical copy of an organism or cell
The word "clone" originates from the Greek "klōn," meaning "twig" or "slip," referring to a cutting used in plant propagation. This reflects the biological process of asexual reproduction, where a new organism is generated from a single parent. The term was adopted into English in the early 20th century, initially in botany, later expanding to genetics and biotechnology. The silent "e" is a modern English spelling convention.
Scientists successfully created a clone of the sheep Dolly in 1996.
Some plants naturally produce clones through runners or rhizomes.
The lab aims to clone endangered species to preserve biodiversity.
Ethical debates surround the possibility of human cloning.
The cloned kittens shared identical genetic traits with their donor.