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