1. plural of ectype; copies or reproductions of an original work, especially in art, printing, or sculpture
Usage: formal; often used in art history and philosophy
2. in philosophy, things that are copies or imitations of an archetype or ideal form
Usage: philosophical; contrasts with archetype

Examples

• The museum displayed several ectypes of ancient Greek sculptures alongside the original fragments.
• These ectypes were created using modern casting techniques to preserve the artist's vision.
• In Platonic philosophy, physical objects are ectypes of eternal, unchanging forms.
• The publisher produced ectypes of the rare manuscript for distribution to libraries.
• Art historians distinguish between originals and ectypes when cataloging the collection.
• These ectypes demonstrate how Renaissance artists reinterpreted classical works.