Example and Touchstone

example

An item of information that is typical of a class or group.
- usage: "this patient provides a typical example of the syndrome"; "there is an example on page 10"
- synonyms: illustration, instance, representative
A representative form or pattern.
- usage: "I profited from his example"
- synonyms: model
Something to be imitated.
- usage: "an exemplar of success"; "a model of clarity"; "he is the very model of a modern major general"
- synonyms: exemplar, model, good example
Punishment intended as a warning to others.
- usage: "they decided to make an example of him"
- synonyms: deterrent example, lesson, object lesson
An occurrence of something.
- usage: "it was a case of bad judgment"; "another instance occurred yesterday"; "but there is always the famous example of the Smiths"
- synonyms: case, instance
A task performed or problem solved in order to develop skill or understanding.
- usage: "you must work the examples at the end of each chapter in the textbook"
- synonyms: exercise

(n.) That which is to be avoided; one selected for punishment and to serve as a warning; a warning.
(v.t.) To set an example for; to give a precedent for; to exemplify; to give an instance of; to instance.
(n.) An instance serving for illustration of a rule or precept, especially a problem to be solved or a case to be determined, as an exercise in the application of the rules of any study or branch of science; as, in trigonometry and grammar, the principles and rules are illustrated by examples.
(n.) That which resembles or corresponds with something else; a precedent; a model.
(n.) One or a portion taken to show the character or quality of the whole; a sample; a specimen.
(n.) That which is to be followed or imitated as a model; a pattern or copy.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

touchstone

A basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated.
- usage: "the schools comply with federal standards"; "they set the measure for all subsequent work"
- synonyms: standard, criterion, measure

(n.) Any test or criterion by which the qualities of a thing are tried.
(n.) Lydian stone; basanite; -- so called because used to test the purity of gold and silver by the streak which is left upon the stone when it is rubbed by the metal. See Basanite.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

Touchstone is a masculine given name