Paradigm /(?)/

Par·a·digm

Paradigm

n.
  1. An example; a model; a pattern. [R.]
  2. An example of a conjugation or declension, showing a word in all its different forms of inflection. (Gram.)
  3. An illustration, as by a parable or fable. (Rhet.)
  4. 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. (Science)