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ectype

/ˈɛktaɪp/
IPA guide

Other forms: ectypes

An ectype is a copy, reproduction, or imitation of an original. A plaster cast of a famous Roman statue in a museum is an ectype, not the original itself.

The word ectype comes from the Greek ektypos, where ek means "out" and typos means "impression" or "type." As opposed to an archetype — an original pattern or first model — an ectype is a reproduction made from that model. It is used in art and archaeology to refer to casts, reproductions of works of art, or impressions made from seals. In philosophy and theology, an ectype is something derived from or modeled on a more perfect original.

Definitions of ectype
  1. noun
    an impression or cast produced from an original relief, seal, or engraved plate
  2. noun
    a copy or reproduction of an original design or archetype, often used figuratively and philosophically
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