replica

noun

USREP-li-kuh/ˈɹɛplɪkə/

2 meanings of replica

1
nouncountable
A copy of something that matches the original exactly.
Visitors may handle a full-size replica of the ancient helmet while the original stays behind glass.
The team spent two years building an exact replica of the sailing ship, down to the hand-sewn sails.
Similarcopy, reproduction, duplicate, facsimile
Oppositeoriginal
Note
Behind the word is a picture of folding back: Latin replicare meant to fold or bend back, and also to reply. It reached English through Italian, and the same Latin verb gave English reply and replicate. The plural is replicas, rarely the Italian repliche. An authentic replica is no contradiction: it is a genuine, faithful copy, not the original.
2
nouncountable
A copy of something built at a smaller scale than the original.
A tabletop replica of the battlefield helped visitors follow the course of the fighting.
The gift shop sells replicas of the cathedral small enough to fit in your palm.
Similarmodel, miniature, copy

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Origin

Borrowed from Italian replica, from Latin replicare ("to fold or bend back; to reply"). It is a doublet of reply and replicate.