prototype

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noun pro·to·type \ ˈprō-tə-ˌtīp \

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 (such as an airplane)

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Examples of prototype in a Sentence

They tested the prototype of the car.
He is developing a prototype for his invention.
He is the prototype of a conservative businessman.
The Sherlock Holmes stories are the prototypes of modern detective stories.

Recent Examples of prototype from the Web

Between now and 2022, the two defense contractors will start nailing down the technologies necessary to bring the missile to life, demonstrate critical technology in prototypes, and complete preliminary design.

— kyle mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "America Is Building a New, Stealthy Nuclear Cruise Missile," 24 Aug. 2017
Skutchan hooked the Graphiti prototype to a camera with a special lens equipped to photograph the eclipse.

— kirsten clark, The Courier-Journal, "Blind students 'touch' the eclipse with help of technology," 21 Aug. 2017
At the facility, faculty, students and community clients are encouraged to design, develop and test prototypes and provide technology solutions to the manufacturing industry.

— katie stompor, Post-Tribune, "Encouraging entrepreneurs with new PNW Co-Working Space," 17 Aug. 2017
But not far away, in another part of the lab, are large wooden prototypes for a speaker system Johnson experimented with.

— kelly poe, AL.com, "Alabama's G2 Lighting Agency bought by Florida company," 15 Aug. 2017
In the absence of congressional funding, Homeland Security has moved $20 million from other programs to pay for the construction of several border wall prototypes like the ones planned for this summer in the San Diego area.

— ron nixon, New York Times, "Homeland Security to Bypass Environmental Laws in Border Wall Work," 1 Aug. 2017
That shows companies are using 3D printing as a manufacturing process and not just as a way to make prototypes.

— The Economist, "Model citizenThe spread of 3D models creates intellectual-property problems," 20 July 2017
Ostrov has now created a prototype for such a device, using yeast.

— ed yong, The Atlantic, "Turning Baker’s Yeast Into a Disease Sensor," 18 July 2017
In the decades since its founding, Manhattan Country School has become a prototype for private schools that embrace a public mission.

— sam roberts, New York Times, "Gus Trowbridge, Turned King’s Integration Dream Into a School, Dies at 82," 14 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prototype.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

The prefix prot-, or proto-, comes from Greek and has the basic meaning "first in time" or "first formed." A prototype is someone or something that serves as a model or inspiration for those that come later. A successful fund-raising campaign can serve as a prototype for future campaigns. The legendary Robin Hood, the "prototypical" kindhearted and honorable outlaw, has been the inspiration for countless other romantic heroes. And for over a century, Vincent van Gogh has been the prototype of the brilliant, tortured artist who is unappreciated in his own time.

Origin and Etymology of prototype

French, from Greek prōtotypon, from neuter of prōtotypos archetypal, from prōt- + typos type

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1552

See Words from the same year

prototype Synonyms

Synonyms

case, exemplar, exemplification, illustration, instance, example, representative, sample, specimen

Antonyms

descendant (also descendent)

Related Words

archetype, classic, locus classicus, paradigm; cross section, microcosm; evidence, indication, manifestation, sign

Near Antonyms

by-product, derivative, offshoot, outgrowth, spin-off; daughter, son

PROTOTYPE Defined for English Language Learners

prototype

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noun

Definition of prototype for English Language Learners

: 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