template

Meanings

Noun

• A physical object whose shape is used as a guide to make other objects.
• A generic model or pattern from which other objects are based or derived.
• A macromolecule which provides a pattern for the synthesis of another molecule.
• A partially defined class or function, that can be instantiated in a variety of ways depending on the instantiation arguments.
• A strip of metal used in boiler-making, pierced with a series of holes, and serving as a guide in marking out a line of rivet-holes.

Verb

• To set up or mark off using a template.
• To provide a template or pattern for.

Origin

• Alteration of templet, probably from French templet, diminutive of temple, variant of tempe, from Latin tempora. Alteration of second syllable due to analogy with plate. Cognate with Faroese tamba ("to stretch out, relax"), Icelandic þamb ("a stretched, bloated, or extended belly").