A replicated martini materializes
A replicator, short for matter replicator, is a device that uses translocator technology to dematerialize quantities of matter and then rematerialize that matter in another form. It's also capable of inverting its function, thus disposing of leftovers and dishes. Items thus disposed of served to fuel the replicator, and would later be reconstituted as other objects.
Replicators are capable of producing something as fresh and tasty as non-replicated foodstuffs, inorganically materialized out of patterns used by the transporters. Most people found replicated foods and drinks to taste exactly the same as "real" food, although some people claimed to be able to tell the difference. Furthermore, Terran Confederation replicators could be programmed to produce foodstuffs of acceptable "nutritional value".
On Terran Confederation vessels, replicators produced synthehol versions of alcoholic drinks by default, but they could easily be manually readjusted through their control panel to make real alcohol instead.
In addition to foodstuffs, replicators can also be use for replicating machine parts, clothing, or other objects. Although clothing could be replicated for general wear, replicators would not allow civilian crew members to replicate official citizen uniforms. Industrial replicators can also be use to replicate heavier machine parts.
Replicators aboard Terran Confederation vessels can also produce fatal poisons.
On Terran Confederation installations and starships, if a person in custody was confined to quarters, it was standard policy to disable the replicators that the person had access to in order to ensure that a weapon could not be replicated.
Terran Confederation genetronic replicators can fully replicate actual organs for use in medical transplants.
Some civilians of the Confederation, such as anti-Confederate activist Dragan Drofenik, refused to use replicators. Dragan Drofenik was opposed to their use and would not allow them on his property.