replikat

Replikat is a noun used in German and in some other European languages to refer to a replica, copy, or duplicate of an object or a specimen. The term denotes something that resembles the original but is not the original itself. It is used across fields such as science, archaeology, and culture to describe non-original versions of objects, samples, or artifacts.

In scientific contexts, replikat corresponds to the concept of a replicate. Replicates are used to measure variation and to increase the reliability of data. There are technical replicates, which involve repeated measurements of the same sample, and biological replicates, which involve independent samples drawn from the same condition. Analyses of experimental results commonly report the mean and a measure of variability across replicates, such as the standard error or confidence intervals.

In museums and manufacturing, replikat denotes a faithful but non-original reproduction intended for display, education, or practical use. Such replicas may simulate appearance, texture, and scale, while materials and construction methods vary by purpose and cost. Accurate labeling is often required to avoid confusion with originals.

Legal and ethical considerations surrounding replikat include provenance, copyright, and intellectual property rights. Reproductions may be subject to licensing or restrictions, and institutions typically disclose the relative fidelity to the original to avoid misrepresentation.

Related terms include replica, replicate, and facsimile.