 A prototype can also mean a typical example of something such as in the use of the derivation 'prototypical'.This is a useful term in identifying objects, behaviours and concepts which are considered the accepted norm and is analogous with terms such as stereotypes and archetypes.The word "prototype" derives from the Greek πρωτότυπον "prototypon", "primitive form", neutral of πρωτότυπος "prototypos", "original, primitive", from πρῶτος "protos", "first" and τύπος "typos", "impression".