Plain English Meaning
The FAA has officially approved this design as safe and legal to fly. Every aircraft built to that approved design inherits that approval, as long as it stays built and maintained the way the design says.
Full Definition
Approved by the FAA as conforming to a specific design (the 'type design') that has been shown to meet all applicable airworthiness standards. An aircraft, engine, or propeller that is type certificated has received a Type Certificate from the FAA, confirming the design itself is safe and legal for its intended category of operation.
Context Anchor
Seen when reading about the FAA’s role in approving aircraft designs, aircraft categories, and whether an airplane is eligible for normal training or operation.
Derivation
Type' refers to a specific design or model of aircraft. '' (from Latin 'certificare,' to make certain) means formally approved in writing. Together: a design that has been formally approved by the .