the speech act of answering an attack on your assertions; "his refutation of the charges was short and persuasive"; "in defense he said the other man started it"
the repetition of an experiment in order to test the validity of its conclusion; "scientists will not believe an experimental result until they have seen at least one replication"
(law) a pleading made by a plaintiff in reply to the defendant's plea or answer
(genetics) the process whereby DNA makes a copy of itself before cell division
accept (someone) to be what is claimed or accept his power and authority; "The Crown Prince was acknowledged as the true heir to the throne"; "We do not recognize your gods"
accept as legally binding and valid; "acknowledge the deed"
express obligation, thanks, or gratitude for; "We must acknowledge the kindness she showed towards us"
report the receipt of; "The program committee acknowledged the submission of the authors of the paper"