symbol
UK: ˈsɪmbəl | US: ˈsɪmbəl
n. a mark, sign, or object that represents something else (e.g., an idea, quality, or relationship)
n. something used to stand for or suggest another thing, often by convention or association
symbol = sym<together> + bol<throw, cast>
- sym<together>: From Greek syn- (with, together), indicating union or combination.
- bol<throw, cast>: From Greek ballein (to throw), suggesting the idea of "throwing together" or connecting meanings.
Etymology Origin:
The word symbol originates from Greek symbolon, meaning "token, mark, or sign." In ancient Greece, a symbolon was a broken piece of an object (like a clay tablet) carried by two parties as a proof of identity when reunited. This literal "throwing together" of parts evolved metaphorically to represent abstract connections, giving rise to the modern sense of a symbol as a signifier of deeper meaning.
The dove is a symbol of peace in many cultures.
The chemical formula H₂O is the symbol for water.
She wore a ring as a symbol of her commitment.
The lion is often used as a symbol of courage.
In mathematics, the plus sign (+) is a symbol for addition.