type

[[t]taɪp[/t]]

n. v. typed, typ•ing

1) a class, group, or category of things or persons sharing one or more characteristics:

people of a criminal type; a car of the luxury type[/ex]

2) a thing or person regarded as a member of a class or category; kind; sort (usu. fol. by of):

This is a type of mushroom[/ex]

3) a thing or person that represents perfectly or in the best way a class or category; model

4) inf a person regarded as typifying a certain line of work, behavior, environment, etc.:

a civil service type[/ex]

5)

a) pri a wood or metal block with a raised character on its surface that, when fixed into a press and coated with ink, prints an impression of the character on paper or a similar absorbent surface

b) pri such blocks collectively

c) pri a printed character or printed characters:

a headline in large type[/ex]

d) pri

face 17), b), face 17), c)

6) bio Biol.

a) a genus or species that most nearly exemplifies the essential characteristics of a higher group

b) the one or more specimens on which the description and naming of a species is based

7) agr.

a) the inherited features of an animal or breed that are favorable for any given purpose:

dairy type[/ex]

b) a strain, breed, or variety of animal, or a single animal, belonging to a specific kind

8) ling. pho the general form of a word, symbol, or expression, in contrast to its particular occurrences

Compare token 7)

9) the pattern or model from which something is made

10) an image or figure produced by impressing or stamping

11) a distinctive or characteristic mark or sign

12) bib a symbol of something in the future, as an Old Testament event prefiguring a New Testament event

13) pri to write on a typewriter, computer keyboard, or the like

14) pri to reproduce in type or in print

15) med to ascertain the type of (a blood or tissue sample)

16) to typecast

17) to typify or symbolize; represent

18) to represent prophetically; foreshadow; prefigure

19) cv to write using a typewriter, computer keyboard, or the like

•

Etymology: 1425–75; late ME: symbol, figure (< MF) < L typus bas-relief, ground plan < Gk týpos blow, impression usage: When preceded by a modifier, type meaning “kind, sort” is sometimes used without a following of: This type furnace uses very little current. We have a magnetic-type holder for the rack. Frequently criticized by usage guides, this construction occurs rarely in general writing. The problem can usu. be remedied by inserting of (this type of furnace) or by dropping type altogether (a magnetic holder).