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Webster 1913 Edition


Prototype

Pro′to-type

,
Noun.
[F., from L.
prototypus
original, primitive, Gr. [GREEK], [GREEK]; [GREEK] first + [GREEK] type, model. See
Proto-
, and
Type
]
An original or model after which anything is copied; the pattern of anything to be engraved, or otherwise copied, cast, or the like; a primary form; exemplar; archetype.
They will turn their backs on it, like their great precursor and
prototype
.
Burke.

Webster 1828 Edition


Prototype

PRO'TOTYPE

,
Noun.
[Gr. first, and type, form, model.]
An original or model after which any thing is formed; the pattern of any thing to be engraved, cast, &c,; exemplar; archetype.

Definition 2024


prototype

prototype

English

Noun

prototype (plural prototypes)

  1. An original object or form which is a basis for other objects, forms, or for its models and generalizations
  2. An early sample or model built to test a concept or process
    The prototype had loose wires and rough edges, but it worked.
  3. (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.
  4. (computing) A declaration of a function that specifies the name, return type, and parameters but none of the body, or actual code.

Synonyms

  • See also Wikisaurus:exemplar
  • See also antetype

Derived terms

  • prototype theory

Related terms

  • first article

Translations

Verb

prototype (third-person singular simple present prototypes, present participle prototyping, simple past and past participle prototyped)

  1. To create a prototype of.

French

Noun

prototype m (plural prototypes)

  1. prototype

Norwegian Bokmål

Etymology

From Ancient Greek πρωτο- (prōto-) + Ancient Greek τύπος (túpos)

Pronunciation

Alternative forms

Noun

prototype m (definite singular prototypen, indefinite plural prototyper, definite plural prototypene)

  1. a prototype

References


Norwegian Nynorsk

Etymology

From Ancient Greek πρωτο- (prōto-) + Ancient Greek τύπος (túpos)

Alternative forms

Noun

prototype m (definite singular prototypen, indefinite plural prototypar, definite plural prototypane)

  1. a prototype

References