Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Model?

\Mod"el\, n. [F. mod[`e]le, It. modello, fr. (assumed) L. modellus, fr. modulus a small measure, dim. of modus. See {Mode}, and cf. {Module}.] 1. A miniature representation of a thing, with the several parts in due proportion; sometimes, a facsimile of the same size. In charts, in maps, and eke in models made. --Gascoigne. I had my father's signet in my purse, Which was the model of that Danish seal. --Shak. You have the models of several ancient temples, though the temples and the gods are perished. --Addison. 2. Something intended to serve, or that may serve, as a pattern of something to be made; a material representation or embodiment of an ideal; sometimes, a drawing; a plan; as, the clay model of a sculpture; the inventor's model of a machine. [The application for a patent] must be accompanied by a full description of the invention, with drawings and a model where the case admits of it. --Am. Cyc. When we mean to build We first survey the plot, then draw the model. --Shak. 3. Anything which serves, or may serve, as an example for imitation; as, a government formed on the model of the American constitution; a model of eloquence, virtue, or behavior. 4. That by which a thing is to be measured; standard. He that despairs measures Providence by his own little, contracted model. --South. 5. Any copy, or resemblance, more or less exact. Thou seest thy wretched brother die, Who was the model of thy father's life. --Shak. 6. A person who poses as a pattern to an artist. A professional model. --H. James. {Working model}, a model of a machine which can do on a small scale the work which the machine itself does, or expected to do.
\Mod"el\, a. Suitable to be taken as a model or pattern; as, a model house; a model husband.
\Mod"el\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Modeled}or {Modelled}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Modeling} or {Modelling}.] [Cf. F. modeler, It. modellare.] To plan or form after a pattern; to form in model; to form a model or pattern for; to shape; to mold; to fashion; as, to model a house or a government; to model an edifice according to the plan delineated.
\Mod"el\, v. i. (Fine Arts) To make a copy or a pattern; to design or imitate forms; as, to model in wax.