replicative

adjective

rep·​li·​ca·​tive ˈre-pli-ˌkā-tiv How to pronounce replicative (audio)
: of, relating to, involved in, or characterized by replication
the replicative form of tobacco mosaic virus

Examples of replicative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The replicative nature of tumors poses a challenge. Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 12 Mar. 2025 Senescence is a natural process of replicative arrest that prevents an oncogenic transformation of aberrant cells. Salvatore Viscomi, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

replicate entry 1 + -ive

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of replicative was in 1825

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Cite this Entry

“Replicative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/replicative. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

replicative

adjective
rep·​li·​ca·​tive ˈrep-li-ˌkāt-iv How to pronounce replicative (audio)
: of, relating to, involved in, or characterized by replication
conversion of single stranded … DNA to a double stranded replicative formNature
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