cloning

UK: ˈkləʊnɪŋ | US: ˈkloʊnɪŋ

Definition

  1. n. the process of producing an identical copy of an organism, cell, or DNA sequence

  2. vt. the act of creating such a copy

Structure
clone <identical copy, from Greek *klōn* (twig, shoot)>ing <noun suffix indicating process>
Etymology

The word "cloning" derives from the Greek klōn (meaning "twig" or "sprout"), reflecting the natural process of vegetative reproduction in plants. In the early 20th century, the term was adopted in biology to describe artificial replication of organisms. The suffix -ing transforms the root into a noun denoting the process, emphasizing its scientific and procedural nature.

Examples

  1. Scientists achieved a breakthrough in cloning by replicating a sheep named Dolly.

  2. Ethical debates surround the cloning of human embryos.

  3. The lab specializes in cloning rare plant species for conservation.

  4. Cloning technology has advanced significantly in the past decade.

  5. Some fear that cloning could lead to unintended ecological consequences.