First Known Use: 1552
Dictionary
prototype
noun pro·to·type \ˈprō-tə-ˌtīp\
: an original or first model of something from which other forms are copied or developed
: someone or something that has the typical qualities of a particular group, kind, etc.
: a first or early example that is used as a model for what comes later
Full Definition of PROTOTYPE
1
: an original model on which something is patterned : archetype
2
: an individual that exhibits the essential features of a later type
3
: a standard or typical example
4
: a first full-scale and usually functional form of a new type or design of a construction (as an airplane)
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Origin of PROTOTYPE
French, from Greek prōtotypon, from neuter of prōtotypos archetypal, from prōt- + typos type
Related to PROTOTYPE
- Synonyms
- case, exemplar, exemplification, illustration, instance, example, representative, sample, specimen
- Antonyms
- descendant (also descendent)
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