Longman Dictionary of

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prototype
prototype n
a person or object which is considered (by many people) to be typical of
its class or group.
The prototype theory suggests that many mental concepts we have are
really prototypes. People often define a concept by reference to typical
instances. For example, a prototype of a bird would be more like a small
bird which flies than, for instance, a large flightless bird like an emu or a
New Zealand kiwi.
Prototype theory has been useful in investigations into how concepts are
formed, e.g. what is considered a typical item of furniture, a typical vegetable,
a typical house, and to what extent certain concepts can be considered
universal or specific to certain cultures/languages.
It has also been suggested that prototype theory may account for our
ability to communicate appropriately in social situations. That would
mean, for example, that we learn to associate certain words, phrases, or
general communicative behaviour with people who typically use them or
situations where they are typically used.
prototype theory n
see PROTOTYPE
pro-verb n
a verb form that may be used instead of a full verb phrase. For example,
in English, various forms of do can be pro-verbs, as in:
A: I like coffee A: She broke the window.
B: I do too B: So she did.
So do I.
Alan does too.
see also PRO-FORMS
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