Replicant

_android_ (an'droid) n, Gk. humanoid automation. more at robot./ 1. early version utilized for work too boring, dangerous or unpleasant for humans. 2. second generation bio-engineered. Electronic relay units and positronic brains. Used in space to explore inhospitable environments. 3. third generation synthogenetic. REPLICANT, constructed of skin/flesh culture. Selected enogenic transfer conversion. Capable of self perpetuating thought. Paraphysical abilities. Developed for emigration program.

       WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY
       New International (2012)

--Quoted from Blade Runner by David Webb Peoples & Hampton Fancher (1982)

---

Replicant is a generalized term which refers more to the original Kapek visualization than the current accepted nomenclature. As in Blade Runner, "replicant" will often reference a bio-mechanical, or engineered biologic, creature designed to carry out the same tasks as a conventional robot. This harkens back to R.U.R., where the robots created by Rossum's company were of biologic origins.