prototype
noun
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The prefix prot-, or proto-, comes from Greek and has the basic meaning "first in time" or "first formed." A prototype is someone or something that serves as a model or inspiration for those that come later. A successful fund-raising campaign can serve as a prototype for future campaigns. The legendary Robin Hood, the "prototypical" kindhearted and honorable outlaw, has been the inspiration for countless other romantic heroes. And for over a century, Vincent van Gogh has been the prototype of the brilliant, tortured artist who is unappreciated in his own time.
Examples of prototype in a Sentence
Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
This is a polished-looking prototype but not necessarily a pending commercial product.
—John Burek, PC Magazine, 28 May 2025
For instance, this season, Northwestern University will pilot a low-cost sensor prototype from SMARTWATER, a collaborative project between the United States and U.K. research organizations.
—Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
The prototypes flown so far, however, have only traveled on a suborbital trajectory, and they have not been equipped with some features that will be necessary for crewed missions, such as life support systems.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for prototype
Cite this Entry
“Prototype.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prototype. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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prototype
noun
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