paradigm

n. [ F. paradigme, L. paradigma, fr. Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; to show by the side of, to set up as an example; para` beside + &unr_; to show. See Para-, and Diction. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. An example; a model; a pattern. [ R. ] “The paradigms and patterns of all things.” Cudworth. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Gram.) An example of a conjugation or declension, showing a word in all its different forms of inflection. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Rhet.) An illustration, as by a parable or fable. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Science) A theory providing a unifying explanation for a set of phenomena in some field, which serves to suggest methods to test the theory and develop a fuller understanding of the topic, and which is considered useful until it is be replaced by a newer theory providing more accurate explanations or explanations for a wider range of phenomena. [ PJC ]

n. (Eccl. Hist.) A writer of memoirs of religious persons, as examples of Christian excellence. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } a. [ Gr. paradeigmatiko`s. ] Exemplary. -- Par`a*dig*mat"ic*al*ly, adv. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]