■ noun
1》 a thing characteristic of its kind or illustrating a general rule.
↘a written problem or exercise designed to illustrate a rule.
2》 a person or thing regarded in terms of their fitness to be imitated: parents should set an ~.
■ verb ( be ~d ) be exemplified.
Phrases
for ~ by way of illustration.
make an ~ of punish as a warning or deterrent to others.
Origin
ME: from OFr., from L. exemplum , from eximere 'take out'; cf. sample .