prototype

(prōˈtə-tīpˌ)

1. An original type, form, or instance serving as a basis or standard for later stages.
2. An original, full-scale, and usually working model of a new product or new version of an existing product.
3. An early, typical example.
4. Biology A form or species that serves as an original type or example.

Related Forms:

• proˌto·typˈal (-tīˈpəl), proˌto·typˈic (-tĭpˈĭk), proˌto·typˈi·cal (-ĭ-kəl) adjective