replica. Properly, a replica is an exact copy, built to the same scale as the original and using the same materials. To use the word when you might better use 'model', 'miniature', 'copy' or 'reproduction' devalues it, as here: 'Using nothing but plastic Lego toy bricks, they have painstakingly reconstructed replicas of some of the world's most famous landmarks' {Sunday Times}.
A replica is defined as a precise copy that matches the original in both size and materials. The term should not be confused with terms like 'model', 'miniature', 'copy', or 'reproduction', as doing so diminishes its significance and accuracy. This distinction is essential to maintain the integrity of the word, especially in contexts where exactness is crucial.
For example, the Sunday Times mentions efforts that involved using plastic Lego bricks to create replicas of famous landmarks. While innovative, this usage raises questions about authenticity and fidelity to the original, highlighting the importance of using the term 'replica' appropriately to preserve its true meaning.
