early 15c., "repeat," from Latin replicatus, past participle of replicare (see reply). Meaning "to copy, reproduce, make a replica of" is from 1882, a back-formation from replication. Genetic sense is first recorded 1957. Related: Replicated; replicating.
replicate rep·li·cate (rěp'lĭ-kāt')
v. rep·li·cat·ed, rep·li·cat·ing, rep·li·cates
To duplicate, copy, reproduce, or repeat.
To reproduce or make an exact copy or copies of genetic material, a cell, or an organism.