Replicator
From Memory Alpha, the free Star Trek reference.
A replicator (or food slot) is a device that uses transporter technology to dematerialize quantities of matter and then rematerialize that matter in another form. It is also capable of inverting its function, thus disposing leftovers and dishes and storing the bulk material again. (VOY: "Year of Hell")
Foodstuff made by replicators are capable of producing something as fresh and tasty as the real thing, but in reality is inorganically materialized out of patterns used by the transporters. (TNG: "Lonely Among Us") Most people find replicated foods and drinks to taste exactly the same as "real" food, although some people claim to be able to tell the difference. Furthermore, Federation replicators are programmed to produce foodstuffs of acceptable "nutritional value". (TNG: "The Price", "Sins of the Father", "Relics"; DS9: "In the Pale Moonlight", "You Are Cordially Invited")
In addition to foodstuffs, replicators can be used for replicating machine parts, clothing (presumably including Starfleet uniforms) or other objects. They can even be used to replicate heavier machine parts, using a special type known as an industrial replicator. (TNG: "The Game"; DS9: "For the Cause")
Replicators may be capable of producing replacement organs for lifeforms in the ship's databanks. At the very least they are capable of producing artificial organs as replacement for lost/diseased organs. (VOY: "Phage")
Replicators aboard Starfleet vessels will not produce fatal poisons. (VOY: "Death Wish")
Some alien replicators, such as the ones used by the alien abductors encountered in 2366, are capable of replicating living things. (TNG: "Allegiance")
Replicators (along with transporters and force fields) are one of the technologies used in holodecks and holosuites.
[edit] History and notable uses
One of the first replicators seen by Humans was the one seen by the crew of the Enterprise when they had their ship repaired in the mysterious repair station. Until this time the closest thing 22nd century starships had aboard were protein resequencers, which had limited capabilities compared to later technologies. (ENT: "Dead Stop"; ENT: "Fight or Flight", "Oasis")
In the 23rd century, the United Federation of Planets had not yet perfected replicator technology. Starships of this time period were equipped with food synthesizers. This was a step forward, but still did not achieve the quality and sophistication of a true replicator.
- The writers guide for the series Star Trek explains that food is prepared in high-speed equipment and moved to a food slot via a small turbo-lift technology, and this is also shown, with no detail, in blueprints of the ship prepared by Franz Joseph in 1974.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard beamed down to Delta Rana IV with a portable matter replicator for the Uxbridges in 2366. (TNG: "The Survivors")
The replicator played a key role in spreading the Ktarian game around the USS Enterprise-D in 2368. (TNG: "The Game")
When the USS Voyager was pulled to the Delta Quadrant, it became clear that replicator technology was unknown to the indigenous people of that region. The Kazon in particular repeatedly tried to obtain this technology, as did other races. Captain Janeway feared that if this technology were acquired by a civilization before they were ready, disastrous consequences could ensue. For this reason, and because of the Prime Directive, Janeway refused to give up this technology at any price. (VOY: "State of Flux")
