symbol

[ sim-buh l ]
/ ˈsɪm bəl /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR symbol ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

something used for or regarded as representing something else; a material object representing something, often something immaterial; emblem, token, or sign.
a letter, figure, or other character or mark or a combination of letters or the like used to designate something: the algebraic symbol x; the chemical symbol Au.
(especially in semiotics) a word, phrase, image, or the like having a complex of associated meanings and perceived as having inherent value separable from that which is symbolized, as being part of that which is symbolized, and as performing its normal function of standing for or representing that which is symbolized: usually conceived as deriving its meaning chiefly from the structure in which it appears, and generally distinguished from a sign.

verb (used with object), sym·boled, sym·bol·ing or (especially British) sym·bolled, sym·bol·ling.

to use symbols; symbolize.

Origin of symbol

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin symbolum < Greek sýmbolon sign, equivalent to sym- sym- + -bolon, neuter for bolḗ (feminine) a throw

Words nearby symbol

symbiont, symbiosis, symbiotic, symblepharon, symblepharopterygium, symbol, symbol retailer, symbolic, symbolic code, symbolic interactionism, symbolic language

Words related to symbols

design, emblem, figure, pattern, image, token, motif, indication, type, logo, badge, stamp, attribute, mark, note, denotation, representation, device, numeral, regalia

Example sentences from the Web for symbols

British Dictionary definitions for symbols

symbol
/ (ˈsɪmbəl) /

noun

something that represents or stands for something else, usually by convention or association, esp a material object used to represent something abstract
an object, person, idea, etc, used in a literary work, film, etc, to stand for or suggest something else with which it is associated either explicitly or in some more subtle way
a letter, figure, or sign used in mathematics, science, music, etc to represent a quantity, phenomenon, operation, function, etc
psychoanal the end product, in the form of an object or act, of a conflict in the unconscious between repression processes and the actions and thoughts being repressed the symbols of dreams
psychol any mental process that represents some feature of external reality

verb -bols, -bolling or -bolled or US -bols, -boling or -boled

(tr) another word for symbolize

Word Origin for symbol

C15: from Church Latin symbolum, from Greek sumbolon sign, from sumballein to throw together, from syn- + ballein to throw

Medical definitions for symbols

symbol
[ sĭm′bəl ]

n.

Something that represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention, especially a material object used to represent something invisible.
A printed or written sign used to represent an operation, an element, a quantity, or a relation, as in mathematics or chemistry.
A conventional sign.

Scientific definitions for symbols

symbol
[ sĭm′bəl ]

A conventional, printed or written figure used to represent an operation, element, quantity, relation, unit of measurement, phenomenon, or descriptor. Also called sign

Cultural definitions for symbols (1 of 2)

symbol

An object or name that stands for something else, especially a material thing that stands for something that is not material. The bald eagle is a symbol of the United States of America. The cross is a symbol of Christianity. The Star of David is a symbol of Judaism.

Cultural definitions for symbols (2 of 2)

symbol

Something that represents or suggests something else. Symbols often take the form of words, visual images, or gestures that are used to convey ideas and beliefs. All human cultures use symbols to express the underlying structure of their social systems, to represent ideal cultural characteristics, such as beauty, and to ensure that the culture is passed on to new generations. Symbolic relationships are learned rather than biologically or naturally determined, and each culture has its own symbols.

Idioms and Phrases with symbols

symbol

see status symbol.