noun

1. a pattern, usually in the form of a thin plate of metal, wood, plastic, etc., for forming an accurate copy of an object or shape
2. Archit.
   1. a short stone or timber placed under a beam to help distribute the pressure
   2. a beam for supporting joists over an open space, as a doorway
3. Biochem. any complex molecular structure, as DNA or RNA, that serves as a pattern in the synthesis of another complex molecular structure

Etymology: altered (infl. by plate) < templet < Fr, dim. of temple < L templum, small timber, purlin, akin to temple