duplicus

Duplicus is a term used in speculative or fictional contexts to denote processes or entities characterized by duplication or doubling. The word derives from Latin duplicus, meaning twofold or doubled.

In speculative biology, duplicus is sometimes used to describe organisms that reproduce primarily through genome duplication, producing mirrored genetic copies that diverge over time. These models explore how two subgenomes may interact in development and adaptation.

In computing, duplicus denotes a duplication operator or function intended to create copies of data structures. Depending on the implementation, duplicus may perform shallow or deep copies, with rules for handling nested references and mutable state.

In philosophy and linguistics, duplicus can serve as a thought experiment about identity under duplication, such as questions about whether two copies share the same consciousness or whether duplication yields distinct individuals.

In culture and fiction, duplicus appears as a concept for clones, parallel selves, or mirrored worlds, often used to explore themes of individuality and ethics.

See also: duplication, clone, twin, replication.