Dictionary entries for 'cloning'

clone (klōn)

[Greek klōn, twig.]

noun

A cell, group of cells, or organism that is descended from and genetically identical to a single common ancestor, such as a bacterial colony whose members arose from a single original cell.
An organism descended asexually from a single ancestor, such as a plant produced by layering or a polyp produced by budding.
A DNA sequence, such as a gene, that is transferred from one organism to another and replicated by genetic engineering techniques.
One that copies or closely resembles another, as in appearance or function: “filled with business-school clones in gray and blue suits” (Michael M. Thomas)

To make multiple identical copies of (a DNA sequence).
To create or propagate (an organism) from a clone cell: clone a sheep.
To reproduce or propagate asexually: clone a plant variety.
To produce a copy of; imitate closely: “The look has been cloned into cliché” (Cathleen McGuigan)