[mod.el] n [MF modelle, fr. OIt modello, fr. (assumed) VL modellus, fr. L modulus small measure, fr. modus] (1575) 1 obs: a set of plans for a building
2. dial Brit: copy, image
3: structural design "a home on the ~ of an old farmhouse"
4: a usu. miniature representation of something; also: a pattern of something to be made
5: an example for imitation or emulation
6: a person or thing that serves as a pattern for an artist; esp: one who poses for an artist 7: archetype 8: an organism whose appearance a mimic imitates 9: one who is employed to display clothes or other merchandise: mannequin
10. a: a type or design of clothing b: a type or design of product (as a car) 11: a description or analogy used to help visualize something (as an atom) that cannot be directly observed 12: a system of postulates, data, and inferences presented as a mathematical description of an entity or state of affairs 13: version syn model, example, pattern, exemplar, ideal mean someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation. model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation "a decor that is a model of good taste". example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning "children tend to follow the example of their parents". pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype "American industry set a pattern for others to follow". exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification "cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage". ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception "never found a job that matched his ideal".
[2]model vb mod.eled or mod.elled ; mod.el.ing or mod.el.ling vt (1625) 1: to plan or form after a pattern: shape
2. archaic: to make into an organization (as an army, government, or parish) 3 a: to shape or fashion in a plastic material b: to produce a representation or simulation of "using a computer to ~ a problem"
4: to construct or fashion in imitation of a particular model "~ed its constitution on that of the U.S."
5: to display by wearing, using, or posing with "~ed gowns" ~ vi 1: to design or imitate forms: make a pattern "enjoys ~ing in clay"
2: to work or act as a fashion model -- mod.el.er n [3]model adj (1844) 1: serving as or capable of serving as a pattern "a ~ student"
2: being a usu. miniature representation of something "a ~ airplane"