[ar.che.type] n [L archetypum, fr. Gk archetypon, fr. neut. of archetypos archetypal, fr. archein + typos type] (1545) 1: the original pattern or model of which all things of the same type are representations or copies: prototype; also: a perfect example
2: idea 1a
3: an inherited idea or mode of thought in the psychology of C. G. Jung that is derived from the experience of the race and is present in the unconscious of the individual -- ar.che.typ.al also ar.che.typ.i.cal adj -- ar.che.typ.al.ly adv