1. typical example: a typical example of something
2. model that forms basis of something: an example that serves as a pattern or model for something, especially one that forms the basis of a methodology or theory
3. set of all forms of word: a set of word forms giving all of the possible inflections of a word
4. relationship of ideas to one another: in the philosophy of science, a generally accepted model of how ideas relate to one another, forming a conceptual framework within which scientific research is carried out
[15th century. Via late Latin< Greek paradeigma "example" < paradeiknunai, literally "show beside" < deiknunai "to show"]