(Science: biology) Specifically: A general form or structure common to a number of individuals; hence, the ideal representation of a species, genus, or other group, combining the essential characteristics; an animal or plant possessing or exemplifying the essential characteristics of a species, genus, or other group. Also, a group or division of animals having a certain typical or characteristic structure of body maintained within the group.
5. A raised letter, figure, accent, or other character, cast in metal or cut in wood, used in printing. Such letters or characters, in general, or the whole quantity 527 of them used in printing, spoken of collectively; any number or mass of such letters or characters, however disposed.
Origin: F. Type; cf. It. Tipo, from L. Typus a figure, image, a form, type, character, Gr. The mark of a blow, impression, form of character, model, from the root of to beat, strike; cf. Skr. Tup to hurt.