What does sextuplicate mean?
Sextuplicate means sixfold or consisting of six identical copies. As a verb, it means to make six copies of a document or to multiply something by six; as an adjective, it describes something existing in six equivalent forms. As a noun, a sextuplicate is one of six identical copies, a usage that occurs especially in legal and clerical language. The word sounds formal and uncommon in everyday speech, where “six copies” or “make six copies” is usually more natural. Although “sextuple” can convey a similar numerical idea, “sextuplicate” more specifically suggests separate identical copies, particularly duplicated records. Its unusual length also makes it memorable, but its specialized register means that clarity of meaning matters more than stylistic effect.
Consisting of six identical parts, copies, or units; sixfold.
"The registrar prepared a sextuplicate set of the filing."
Chiefly used in formal, legal, and administrative contexts.
To make six identical copies of something, or to multiply something by six.
"Please sextuplicate the report and place one copy in each departmental file."
More natural in formal or clerical usage than in ordinary conversation.
One of six identical copies of a document or other object.
"The witness signed every sextuplicate of the statement."
Often confined to legal and administrative contexts.
Used when referring to multiple members of a set of six identical documents or objects.
"All six sextuplicates were filed in separate folders."
Need six identical copies? One sextuplication—or one careful instruction to “sextuplicate”—gets the job done.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sextuplicate come from?
The word comes from the Latin sextuplicatus, the past participle of sextuplicare, meaning “to multiply by six” or “make sixfold.” Sextuplicare was formed from sextuplus, meaning “sixfold,” with an element related to Latin duplicare, “to double” or “duplicate.” English also has related forms such as sextuple and sextuplet, while quadruple and septuple belong to the same Latin family of multiplicative terms.
Related word forms
How sextuplicate is actually used
This is a formal and relatively uncommon word, especially outside legal, clerical, and administrative contexts. It is more idiomatic as an adjective or verb than as a noun, where “one of six copies” may often sound clearer.