icon
UK: ˈaɪ.kɒn | US: ˈaɪ.kɑːn
n. a symbol or image that represents something (e.g., a religious figure, a digital symbol)
n. a person or thing regarded as a representative symbol of a culture or movement
n. (computing) a small graphic symbol on a screen representing a program or file
The word icon traces back to Greek eikōn, meaning "image" or "likeness." It originally referred to religious images in Eastern Christianity, symbolizing sacred figures. Over time, its meaning expanded to include any symbolic representation, especially in art and computing. The suffix -on helps form nouns, solidifying its role as a tangible or conceptual symbol.
The ancient church was adorned with beautiful icons of saints.
Marilyn Monroe became an icon of Hollywood glamour.
Click the trash can icon to delete the file.
The artist’s work has turned him into a cultural icon.
The app’s interface uses intuitive icons for navigation.