prototype

[proh-tuh-tahyp]

noun

1. the original or model on which something is based or formed.

   Synonyms: pattern

2. someone or something that serves to illustrate the typical qualities of a class; model; exemplar.

   She is the prototype of a student activist.

3. something analogous to another thing of a later period.

   a Renaissance prototype of our modern public housing.

4. Biology.,  an archetype; a primitive form regarded as the basis of a group.

verb (used with object)

prototyped, prototyping 

1. to create the prototype or an experimental model of.

   to prototype a solar-power car.

prototype

/ ˌprəʊtəˈtɪpɪk, ˈprəʊtəˌtaɪp /

noun

1. one of the first units manufactured of a product, which is tested so that the design can be changed if necessary before the product is manufactured commercially

2. a person or thing that serves as an example of a type

3. biology the ancestral or primitive form of a species or other group; an archetype

Other Word Forms

• prototypical adjective
• prototypic adjective
• prototypal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prototype¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from New Latin prōtotypon, from Greek prōtótypon, noun use of neuter of prōtótypos “original”; proto-, type

Example Sentences

"We succeeded in manufacturing the 2nm prototype for the first time in Japan, and at an unprecedented speed in Japan and globally," Mr Koike said.

Read more on BBC

Musk argued that AI-powered robots, including Tesla’s Optimus prototype, will eventually handle “all the work that needs to be done,” leaving humans to focus only on hobbies or creative pursuits.

Read more on Salon

The next steps involve refining the system for use in larger rooms and testing physical prototypes in clinical and public environments.

Read more on Science Daily

According to his paper, researchers discovered more materials, filed more new patents and saw an increase in prototypes.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Matthews, who is considered the best in the industry at coming up with new ideas, recently tasted the latest prototype.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• mock-up 
• model 
• precursor