mod·el (m d l)n.1. A small object, usually built to scale, that represents in detail another, often larger object. 2. a. A preliminary work or construction that serves as a plan from which a final product is to be made: a clay model ready for casting. b. Such a work or construction used in testing or perfecting a final product: a test model of a solar-powered vehicle. 3. A schematic description of a system, theory, or phenomenon that accounts for its known or inferred properties and may be used for further study of its characteristics: a model of generative grammar; a model of an atom; an economic model. 4. A style or design of an item: My car is last year's model. 5. One serving as an example to be imitated or compared: a model of decorum. See Synonyms at ideal. 6. One that serves as the subject for an artist, especially a person employed to pose for a painter, sculptor, or photographer. 7. A person employed to display merchandise, such as clothing or cosmetics. 8. Zoology An animal whose appearance is copied by a mimic. v. mod·eled also mod·elled, mod·el·ing also mod·el·ling, mod·els also mod·els v.tr.1. To make or construct a model of. 2. To plan, construct, or fashion according to a model. 3. To make conform to a chosen standard: He modeled his manners on his father's. 4. a. To make by shaping a plastic substance: modeled a bust from clay. b. To form (clay, for example) into a shape. 5. To display by wearing or posing. 6. In painting, drawing, and photography, to give a three-dimensional appearance to, as by shading or highlighting. v.intr.1. To make a model. 2. To serve or work as a model. adj.1. Being, serving as, or used as a model. 2. Worthy of imitation: a model child.
[French modèle, from Italian modello, diminutive of modo, form, from Latin modus, measure, standard; see med- in Indo-European roots.]
mod el·er n. |