type
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1type
noun, often attributive \ˈtīp\Definition of TYPE
1
a : a person or thing (as in the Old Testament) believed to foreshadow another (as in the New Testament) b : one having qualities of a higher category : model c : a lower taxonomic category selected as a standard of reference for a higher category; also : a specimen or series of specimens on which a taxonomic species or subspecies is actually based
2
: a distinctive mark or sign
3
a (1) : a rectangular block usually of metal bearing a relief character from which an inked print can be made (2) : a collection of such blocks <a font of type> (3) : alphanumeric characters for printing <the type for this book has been photoset> b : typeface <italic type> c : printed letters d : matter set in type
4
a : qualities common to a number of individuals that distinguish them as an identifiable class: as (1) : the morphological, physiological, or ecological characters by which relationship between organisms may be recognized (2) : the form common to all instances of a linguistic element b : a typical and often superior specimen c : a member of an indicated class or variety of people <the guests were mostly urban types — Lucy Cook> d : a particular kind, class, or group <oranges of the seedless type> <leaders of the new type…did England yeoman's service — G. M. Trevelyan> e : something distinguishable as a variety : sort <what type of food do you like?>
See Examples of TYPE
- We were not prepared to face this type of crisis.
- We studied various types of trees.
- a seedless type of orange
- He only likes two types of music.
- She likes all types of books.
Origin of TYPE
Middle English, from Late Latin typus, from Latin & Greek; Latin typus image, from Greek typos blow, impression, model, from typtein to strike, beat; akin to Sanskrit tupati he injures and probably to Latin stupēre to be benumbed
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to TYPE
Synonym Discussion of TYPE
type, kind, sort, nature, description, character mean a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities. type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group <one of three basic body types>. kind may suggest natural grouping <a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind>. sort often suggests some disparagement <the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories>. nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses <two problems of a similar nature>. description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined <not all acts of that description are actually illegal>. character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type <research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character>.
Other Printing Terms
2type
verbtypedtyp·ing
Definition of TYPE
transitive verb
1
: to represent beforehand as a type : prefigure
2
a : to produce a copy of b : to represent in terms of typical characteristics : typify
3
: to produce (as a character or document) using a keyboard (as on a typewriter or computer); also : keyboard
4
: to identify as belonging to a type: as a : to determine the natural type of (as a blood sample) b : typecast
intransitive verb
: to write something on a typewriter or enter data into a computer by way of a keyboard
— type·able \ˈtī-pə-bəl\ adjective
Examples of TYPE
- How fast can you type?
- I never learned how to type.
- She asked her secretary to type a memo.
First Known Use of TYPE
1596
Related to TYPE
- Synonyms
- assort, break down, categorize, class, codify, compartment, compartmentalize, digest, distinguish, distribute, grade, group, peg, place, range, rank, relegate, separate, sort, classify
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