An original or principal form; the fundamental structural pattern from which variations derive.
From Greek 'archi-' (chief, first) + 'form' (from Latin 'forma' shape, appearance). A philosophical or structural term for prototype patterns.
Biologists talk about the 'archform' of limbs—a fish's fin, a bird's wing, and a human arm are all variations on the same ancient archform that proves we're related!
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