exemplar
UK /ɛɡˈzɛm.plə/ · US /ɛɡˈzɛm.plɑɹ/ noun, adjective
Forms exemplars
- noun Something fit to be imitated; an ideal, a worthy model or role model: a desirable example. “Michelangelo's "David" is an exemplar of Renaissance sculpture.”
- noun Something typical or representative; an example that typifies its class.
- noun A pattern after which others should be made; an archetype.
- noun A well-known use of a scientific theory.
- noun A manuscript used by a scribe to make a handwritten copy; the original document to be reproduced in a copy machine.
- noun A copy of a book or piece of writing.
- adjective (obsolete) Exemplary.
Synonyms
archetype epitome example icon model paradigm paragon pattern quintessence template byspel case beau ideal case in point embodiment eponym exemplification exemplificator Exhibit A illustration good example
Etymology
From Middle English exempler, from Middle French exemplair, and its source, Latin exemplar, from Latin exemplum (“example”).
From Middle English exempler, from Middle French exemplaire, and its source, Latin exemplāris. By surface analysis, example + -ar. Doublet of exemplary.
Webster’s 1913
- noun A model, original, or pattern, to be copied or imitated; a specimen; sometimes; an ideal model or type, as that which an artist conceives.
- noun A copy of a book or writing. [Obs.] Udall.
- adjective Exemplary. [Obs.]
Etymology [L. exemplar, exemplum: cf. F. exemplaire. See Example, and cf. Examper, Sampler.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “exemplar”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details