online medical dictionary | definition of duplicate

Double; twofold.

<mathematics> Duplicate proportion or ratio, the proportion or ratio of squares. Thus, in geometrical proportion, the first term to the third is said to be in a duplicate ratio of the first to the second, or as its square is to the square of the second. Thus, in 2, 4, 8, 16, the ratio of 2 to 8 is a duplicate of that of 2 to 4, or as the square of 2 is to the square of 4.

Origin: L. Duplicatus, p. P. Of duplicare to double, fr. Duplex double, twofold. See Duplex.

1. To double; to fold; to render double.

2. To make a duplicate of (something); to make a copy or transcript of.

3. <biology> To divide into two by natural growth or spontaneous action; as, infusoria duplicate themselves.

Origin: Duplicated; Duplicating.

(01 Mar 1998)