replica

UK: ˈrɛplɪkə | US: ˈrɛplɪkə

Definition
  1. n. an exact copy or reproduction of an object, especially one made on a smaller scale

  2. n. (art) a duplicate of an original work, often made by the original artist

  3. n. (general) something closely resembling another in appearance or function

Structure
re <again>plic <fold>a <noun suffix>
Etymology

replica = re<again> + plic<fold> + a<noun suffix>

  • re (Latin: "again") → Indicates repetition or backward motion.
  • plic (Latin: "fold") → Derived from plicare ("to fold"), suggesting layers or duplication.
  • a → A nominal suffix often found in Latin-derived words.

Etymology Origin:
The word replica originates from Italian (replica, "reply, repetition"), borrowed from Latin replicare ("to fold back, repeat"). The core idea of "folding back" evolved into "reproducing" or "copying," reflecting the process of creating a mirrored version. This logic aligns with other plic-root words like duplicate (fold twice) or complicate (fold together).

Examples
  1. The museum displayed a replica of the Mona Lisa painted by da Vinci’s apprentice.

  2. She wore a replica of the royal crown for the school play.

  3. The scientist created a replica of the experiment to verify the results.

  4. This toy car is a perfect replica of a vintage Ferrari.

  5. The artist signed each replica to ensure its authenticity.