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model

n. · v. · adj.
US //ˈmɑdəɫ// UK //mˈɒdəl// mod·el
  1. 1 a small copy (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    a small physical copy of an object, like a car or a building.

    a three-dimensional representation of an object, typically on a smaller scale than the original.

    Example

    He spent the weekend building a model of a classic sailing ship.

    Example

    The architect presented a detailed scale model of the proposed stadium to the city council to illustrate the project's impact on the skyline.

  2. 2 fashion/art person (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a person whose job is to wear clothes or pose for pictures.

    a person employed to display clothes by wearing them or to pose for an artist or photographer.

    Example

    The model walked down the runway wearing a bright red dress.

    Example

    The photographer spent hours adjusting the studio lights to capture the model's features against the minimalist backdrop.

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  1. 3 a version of a product (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a specific type or version of a product, like a car or phone.

    a particular design or version of a manufactured product.

    Example

    This is the newest model of the phone, and it has a better camera.

    Example

    The company discontinued the older model after sales plummeted following the release of a more energy-efficient alternative.

  2. 4 an example to follow (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a person or thing that is a great example for others to copy.

    a person or thing regarded as an excellent example of a particular quality or a standard to be imitated.

    Example

    The school is a model of good behavior and hard work.

    Example

    The local clinic has become a model for rural healthcare delivery, with several international delegations visiting to study its efficiency.

  3. 5 a system or simulation (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Science

    a way of describing how something works, often using math or computers.

    a simplified description, especially a mathematical one, of a system or process to assist calculations and predictions.

    Example

    Scientists use a computer model to predict how the weather will change.

    Example

    Economists developed a new model to simulate the effects of interest rate hikes on consumer spending across different income brackets.

  4. 6 biological subject (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Biology

    an animal or plant used by scientists to study a disease or how the body works.

    an organism or species used in research to study specific biological phenomena or diseases.

    Example

    Mice are often used as a model to study how new medicines work.

    Example

    The fruit fly remains a vital genetic model for researchers investigating the fundamental mechanisms of aging and cellular decay.

  5. 7 to show clothes (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to wear clothes to show them to other people as a job.

    to display a garment or accessory by wearing it; to work as a fashion model.

    Example

    She started to model professionally when she was eighteen years old.

    Example

    The agency requested that she model the winter collection during the upcoming trade show in Paris.

  6. 8 to shape or create (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to make something out of a soft material like clay.

    to fashion or shape a figure or object from a malleable substance.

    Example

    The children learned how to model small animals out of clay.

    Example

    The sculptor spent months modeling the clay prototype before casting the final statue in bronze.

  7. 9 perfect or exemplary (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    being a perfect example of something.

    serving as a perfect or exemplary pattern to be imitated.

    Example

    He was a model student who always finished his homework on time.

    Example

    The city was praised for its model response to the natural disaster, which minimized casualties through clear communication and rapid deployment.

Origin

From Middle French modelle, from Old Italian modello, from Vulgar Latin *modellus, diminutive form of modulus (“measure, standard”), diminutive of modus (“measure”); see mode, and compare module, modulus, mould, mold.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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