Here is one definition of 'type' and 'antitype':
a person, a thing, or an action, having its own independent and absolute existence ('type'), but at the same time intended by God to prefigure a future person, thing, or action ('antitype'). [Traditional Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913]Here is an example by way of illustration:
The Ark of the Covenant contained:
- Moses’ two stone tablets of the Ten Commandments
- Manna, the bread from Heaven
- Aaron’s rod which had budded with life
- Instead of God’s Word written in stone, Mary’s womb contained the Word made flesh
- Instead of manna from the wilderness, Mary’s womb contained the Bread of Life
- Instead of a staff from the first Levitical high priest, Aaron, Mary’s womb contained the great High Priest Himself, Jesus Christ
- Instead of a budding staff symbolizing resurrection, Mary’s womb contained the Resurrection and the Life Himself