■ noun
1》 a three-dimensional representation of a person or thing, typically on a smaller scale.
↘(in sculpture) a figure in clay or wax, to be reproduced in a more durable material.
2》 a thing used as an example to follow.
↘a person or thing that is an excellent example of a quality: she was a ~ of self-control.
3》 a person employed to display clothes by wearing them.
↘a person employed to pose for an artist, sculptor, etc.
4》 a particular version of a product.
↘a garment or a copy of a garment by a well-known designer.
5》 a simplified description, especially a mathematical one, of a system or process, to assist calculations and predictions.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ling , ~led ; US ~s , ~ing , ~ed )
1》 fashion or shape (a figure) in clay, wax, etc.
↘ Art cause to appear three-dimensional.
2》 ( ~ something on/after ) use as an example to follow or imitate.
3》 display (clothes) by wearing them.
↘work as a ~.
4》 devise a mathematical ~ of.
Derivatives
~ler noun
~ling noun
Origin
C16: from Fr. ~le , from Ital. ~lo , alt. of L. modulus (see modulus ).