Archetype

['ɑːkɪtaɪp] or ['ɑrkə'taɪp]

Definition

(n.) The original pattern or model of a work; or the model from which a thing is made or formed.

(n.) The standard weight or coin by which others are adjusted.

(n.) The plan or fundamental structure on which a natural group of animals or plants or their systems of organs are assumed to have been constructed; as, the vertebrate archetype.

Edited by Alta

Synonyms and Synonymous

n. Pattern, model, type, prototype, original, examplar, example, protoplast, mirror, paragon.

Checker: Vivian

Definition

n. the original pattern or model a prototype.—adj. Archetyp′al.

Editor: Terence