Prototype
/ˈproʊ.tə.taɪp/noun
An early model or first version of something used to test or develop it.
Did you know?Prototype comes through Greek typos, meaning a “mark” or “impression,” which is the same root behind words for types, stamps, and printed forms—language as a literal act of making copies.
Etymological Timeline
Greek
Greek
prōtotypos
“first-formed, original model”
Late Latin
Latin
prototypus
“first model or original form”
16th Century
English
prototype
“an original pattern or first form”
Modern English
English
prototype
“an early model used as a basis for later development”
Explore more surprising origins