Definitions for: Archetype


[n] an original model on which something is patterned



Webster (1913) Definition: Ar"che*type ([aum]r"k[-e]*t[imac]p), n. [L.
archetypum, Gr. 'arche`typon, fr. 'arche`typos stamped first
and as model; 'arche = 'archi + ty`pos stamp, figure,
pattern, ty`ptein to strike: cf. F. arch['e]type. See
Arch-, pref.]
1. The original pattern or model of a work; or the model from
which a thing is made or formed.

The House of Commons, the archetype of all the
representative assemblies which now meet.
--Macaulay.

Types and shadows of that glorious archetype that
was to come into the world. --South.

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

3. (Biol.) 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.

Synonyms: original, pilot

See Also: example, model

Try our:
Scrabble Word Finder

Scrabble Cheat

Words With Friends Cheat

Hanging With Friends Cheat

Scramble With Friends Cheat

Ruzzle Cheat



Related Resources:
animals begin with s
animals starting with q