prototype

/ˈproʊtəˌtaɪp/
noun
  1. A first or early version of something from which other forms are developed or copied.
    • The company built a prototype of the new electric car to test its battery.
    • This early novel was a prototype for the author's later famous series.
    • Engineers presented a working prototype of the robot at the conference.
  2. A typical or perfect example of a particular kind of person or thing.
    • The Golden Retriever is often seen as the prototype of a family dog.
    • She is considered the prototype of a modern leader: smart, fair, and decisive.
    • That small town is the prototype of peaceful rural life.
verb
  1. To create a first or early version of something.
    • The team prototyped the app in just two weeks.
    • We need to prototype the design before mass production.
    • Students learned how to prototype their inventions using 3D printers.
What does "prototype" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean