Definitions

1. noun

A person or thing that serves as an example or model of something else, especially a virtue or good behavior.

“The young scientist’s experiment served as an exemplum of innovation in the field of renewable energy.”

2. noun

A medieval story or anecdote, often with a moral lesson, used to illustrate a point or illustrate a teaching.

“The medieval poet used the exemplum of a foolish king to convey the dangers of unchecked power.”