prototypical

[ proh-tuh-tip-i-kuhl ]

adjective

1. being the original or model on which something is based or formed:

   Even Los Angeles, the prototypical American automobile city, is rapidly expanding its public transit infrastructure.

2. illustrating the typical qualities of a class or group:

   Scotty played center field as a quick, prototypical lead-off hitter.

   The International Harvester Farmall letter series, well-built and affordable, became an iconic symbol of the prototypical American small-farm tractor.

3. Biology. being a primitive form regarded as the basis of a group; archetypal:

   She graduated with a degree in biology, having conducted her senior thesis research on virulence factors of vaccinia, the prototypical poxvirus.

Other Words From

• pro·to·typ·i·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of prototypical¹

prototyp(e) ( def ) + -ical ( def )

Example Sentences

The prototypical size at 6 feet 4, the prototypical arm strength, the silky throwing motion that looks as if it were designed in a lab.

From Los Angeles Times

While it’s likely traditional kick return guys — think diminutive, shifty and speedy — would still have a role, there is a question of whether prototypical running backs could be useful.

From Seattle Times

“The prototypical heckler’s veto case is one in which the government silences particular speech or a particular speaker due to an anticipated disorderly or violent reaction of the audience,” Bybee wrote, citing case law.

From Seattle Times

“Your prototypical hunting rifle is going to be useful in self-defense, in sharp contrast to the large capacity magazines or the assault weapons,” Feigenbaum said.

From Seattle Times

And there the coach described why Kartye is more of a prototypical fourth-line guy, hitting several of the key qualities you want in one.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• archetypal
• quintessential