prototype
PROH-toh-tipe
/ˈproʊtəˌtaɪp/
A first, typical, or preliminary model of something from which other forms are developed or copied.
A prototype is functional but often unpolished; it is meant for testing concepts rather than for final sale.
The story behind the word. In Greek, 'protos' means first and 'typos' means an impression or stamp. It originally referred to the first 'stamp' used to make copies of a coin or medal.
Word relationships
- archetype: An archetype is a perfect or ideal example; a prototype is a preliminary test model.
- pilot: A pilot is a small-scale trial of a service; a prototype is a physical or digital model of a product.
- final product: The final product is the polished version ready for the consumer.
Commonly confused with
- blueprint: A blueprint is a plan on paper; a prototype is a physical or functional realization of that plan.
Word family
- prototypical (adjective): Denoting the first or original type.
- prototyping (noun): The process of creating a prototype.
Collocations
- working prototype
- early prototype
- rapid prototyping
- develop a prototype
Example sentences
- "The engineers built a working prototype of the drone to test its flight stability." Product Design
- "The prototype was a crude thing, but it worked and proved the concept." Innovation
Memory hook
'Proto' means first, and 'type' is the kind of thing it is. The first of its type. The very first version.
When not to use
Don't confuse with 'mock-up' (which might just be a visual model) or 'beta' (which is a near-final software version).
Fun facts
- The first prototype of the computer mouse was made of wood and had only one button.
Related words
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