The definition of a prototype is the original model.
An example of a prototype is the first model of a new robot.
prototype
- 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 new features
- a perfect example of a particular type
Origin of prototype
French ; from Classical Greek pr?totypon ; from pr?totypos, original: see proto- and amp; typeprototype
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 pr&omacron;totupon, from neuter of pr&omacron;totupos, original : pr&omacron;to-, proto- + tupos, model.Related Forms:
- pro′to·typ′al , pro′to·typ′ic , pro′to·typ′i·cal
adjective
prototype
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.
Verb
(third-person singular simple present prototypes, present participle prototyping, simple past and past participle prototyped)
- To create a prototype of.
