Question

if you say that a person or thing is an epl_____ of something you mean that he, she, or it is the best possible example of that thing.

Explanation:

The definition given ("the best possible example of something") matches the meaning of the word "epitome". The provided letters "e p i t o m e" fit the blanks: e-p-i-t-o-m-e.

Answer:

epitome