symbol

n. something that stands for or represents something else; printed or written character that is commonly used to designate something (as in mathematics or music)

This article presents the essential definitions. For links to more complete treatments of specialized meanings, see Symbol (disambiguation).The musical instrument is spelled cymbal. Symbols are objects, characters, or other concrete representations of ideas, concepts, or other abstractions. For example, in the United States, Canada and Great Britain, a red octagon is a symbol for the traffic sign meaning "STOP".
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Noun
1. an arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance
(hypernym) signal, signaling, sign
(hyponym) stock symbol
(derivation) typify, symbolize, symbolise, stand for, represent
2. something visible that by association or convention represents something else that is invisible; "the eagle is a symbol of the United States"
(synonym) symbolization, symbolisation, symbolic representation
(hypernym) representational process
(hyponym) crossbones
(derivation) typify, symbolize, symbolise, stand for, represent

n. symbol, sign, signal, emblem, figure

(v. t.)
To symbolize.
  

(n.)
That which is thrown into a common fund; hence, an appointed or accustomed duty.
  

(n.)
Share; allotment.
  

(n.)
Any character used to represent a quantity, an operation, a relation, or an abbreviation.
  

(n.)
An abstract or compendium of faith or doctrine; a creed, or a summary of the articles of religion.
  

(n.)
An abbreviation standing for the name of an element and consisting of the initial letter of the Latin or New Latin name, or sometimes of the initial letter with a following one; as, C for carbon, Na for sodium (Natrium), Fe for iron (Ferrum), Sn for tin (Stannum), Sb for antimony (Stibium), etc. See the list of names and symbols under Element.
  

(n.)
A visible sign or representation of an idea; anything which suggests an idea or quality, or another thing, as by resemblance or by convention; an emblem; a representation; a type; a figure; as, the lion is the symbol of courage; the lamb is the symbol of meekness or patience.