prototype

1 one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like <a literary character who is universally regarded as the ultimate prototype of the spoiled, willful Southern belle> Synonyms case, exemplar, exemplification, illustration, instance, example, representative, sample, specimenRelated Words archetype, classic, locus classicus, paradigm; cross section, microcosm; evidence, indication, manifestation, sign

2 something belonging to an earlier time from which something else was later developed <the Greek epic that is the prototype of the hero myth> Synonyms antecedent, archetype, daddy, foregoer, forerunner, granddaddy (also grandaddy), precursor, predecessor, ancestorRelated Words model, original; originator, sire; father, motherNear Antonyms by-product, derivative, offshoot, outgrowth, spin-off; daughter, sonAntonyms descendant (also descendent)

3 something from which copies are made <the manufacturer exhaustively tested the prototype of the vehicle before approving production> Synonyms archetype, originalRelated Words source; example, mold, paradigm, pattern; beau ideal, classic, exemplar, ideal, model, nonpareil, paragon; blueprint, draftNear Antonyms copy, imitation, replica, reproduction; counterfeit, fake, forgery, sham