Prototype dictionary definition

prototype

[prōt′ə tīp′]

noun

The definition of a prototype is the original model.
An example of a prototype is the first model of a new robot.

noun

the first thing or being of its kind; original; model; pattern; archetype
a person or thing that serves as a model for one of a later period
a full-scale, operational model, used for demonstration or testing, that incorporates a new design or features
a perfect example of a particular type

Origin of prototype

French ; from Classical Greek prōtotypon ; from prōtotypos, original: see proto- and amp; type

Related Forms:

noun

An original type, form, or instance serving as a basis or standard: “The abolitionists were the prototype of modern citizen activism” (Adam Hochschild).
An original, full-scale, and usually working model of a new product or new version of an existing product.
A typical example of a class or category: “He fit the prototype of the artist as social misfit and compulsive contrarian” (Stephen Holden).

transitive verb

pro·to·typed, pro·to·typ·ing, pro·to·types

To make a prototype of (a product).

Origin of prototype

French, from Greek prōtotupon, from neuter of prōtotupos, original : prōto-, proto- + tupos, model.

Related Forms:

Noun

(plural prototypes)

An original object or form which is a basis for other objects, forms, or for its models and generalizations
An early sample or model built to test a concept or process
The prototype had loose wires and rough edges, but it worked.
(semantics) An instance of a category or a concept that combines its most representative attributes.
A robin is a prototype of a bird; a penguin is not.
(computing) A declaration of a function that specifies the name, return type, and parameters but none of the body, or actual code.