template

Universal Words noun 1 a shape cut out of a hard material, used as a model for producing exactly the same shape many times in another material: Pressing the template firmly down on the plastic, cut around it with a knife. 2 a thing that is used as a model for producing other similar examples: If you need to write a lot of similar letters, set up a template on your computer. * In our DNA we all carry a genetic template for the next generation. * The director uses his own childhood experiences as a template for the movie.