template
tem·plate / ˈtemplət/ • n. 1. a shaped piece of metal, wood, card, plastic, or other material used as a pattern for processes such as painting, cutting out, shaping, or drilling. ∎ fig. something that serves as a model for others to copy: the plant was to serve as the template for change throughout the company. ∎ Comput. a preset format for a document or file, used so that the format does not have to be recreated each time it is used: a memo template. ∎ Comput. a guide that fits over all or part of a computer keyboard to describe the functions of each key for a particular software application. ∎ Biochem. a nucleic acid molecule that acts as a pattern for the sequence of assembly of a protein, nucleic acid, or other large molecule.2. a timber or plate used to distribute the weight in a wall or under a support.
