Paragon is a noun that means a model of excellence.
The Greek word parakanon (pahr AHK uh non) means to sharpen. It later came to refer to a stone that was used to sharpen something, a touchstone. This made paragon a synonym of touchstone in the other sense of the word, a test for determining the quality of something.
Some people think my little puppy looks a little weird, but I think little Eva is the paragon of canine beauty. All dogs should be that adorable.