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Glite Dictionary
🧩 An original example 🧩 To make a sample
prototype

prototype

184 4.6
A first model or typical example that others are based on
  • noun
  • /ˈproʊtəˌtaɪp/
translation icon : prototipo
  • Engineers often use a prototype to test their ideas before launching the actual product.
  • build a prototype
  • test a prototype
  • develop a prototype

And you know, what does, what is this prototype going to achieve?

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Examples

  • With the successful Phase I completion of the NSF grant, the commercial prototype of iMobot has been developed.

    Academic text (2011)

  • The drilling unit's a prototype we've been building for the Mars project.

    Armageddon (1998)

  • And this is my actual prototype study model.

  • It's one of a kind, a prototype.

    Tango & Cash (1989)

  • This was the prototype for the nunchucks.

  • Early in his career, an engineer was tasked with testing a new prototype device.

    Academic text (2011)

  • This one right here is actually a working prototype complete with detachable keyboard.

  • If we can build a working prototype, it will be a tremendous accomplishment.

    Fiction book (1999)

  • The inventor of the idea has a prototype that's about four meters high.

  • The Omnidroid 9000 is a top secret prototype battle robot.

    The Incredibles (2004)

Synonyms

model
vsprototype
569 3.4

A person or thing that others copy because they are a good example

is an original pattern used as a basis rather than any mere example
example
vsprototype
515 1.0

A person or thing to copy because they do something good

is the original pattern often used as the standard to follow
template
vsprototype
65 3.7

A model people use to compare or judge other things

is the original pattern used to create or inspire later versions
archetype
vsprototype
25 7.4

A first model or perfect example that others copy

is the original pattern often seen as typical rather than perfect form
exemplum
vsprototype
9.9

A story, person, or thing that people copy to learn good behavior

is the original pattern that serves as a source to learn from

How Developed

production
  • Specialized
34 4.4
pilot
  • Jargon
110 4.6
prototype
184 4.6
model
518 2.1
mock-up
  • Specialized
10 4.8
sketch
150 2.5

Surface Forms

prototype singular
prototypes plural

Morphology

prototype = type (semi-transparent) = proto + type

The form clearly combines proto- with type, but the resulting meaning has become lexicalized as 'original model' rather than a fully literal 'first type'.

Etymology

Prototype comes from the Greek parts proto- meaning 'first' and type meaning 'model' or 'kind', the same root as the everyday word type, so a prototype is the original or 'first model' that others follow.