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 of prototype case, exemplar, exemplification, illustration, instance, example, representative, sample, specimenWords Related to prototype 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 of prototype antecedent, archetype, daddy, foregoer, forerunner, granddaddy (also grandaddy), precursor, predecessor, ancestorWords Related to prototype model, original; originator, sire; father, motherNear Antonyms of prototype by-product, derivative, offshoot, outgrowth, spin-off; daughter, sonAntonyms of prototype descendant (also descendent)

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