Meaning of symbol in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈsɪmbəl/

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  1. Noun

    symbol

    Etymology

    late Middle English (denoting the Apostles' Creed): from Latin symbolum‘symbol, Creed (as the mark of a Christian)’, from Greek sumbolon‘mark, token’, from sun-‘with’ + ballein‘to throw’

    Definitions

    1. an arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance

    Derived terms

  2. 2. something visible that by association or convention represents something else that is invisible

    Examples

    • « the eagle is a symbol of the United States »

    Derived terms

Famous quotes

  • « You watch yourself age and it's hard to feel like a sex symbol. »
    Idris Elba
  • « When we talk about Oscars, it's almost as a symbol of excellence, and the American public and the worldwide public accept that symbol. So, a movie like 'The Artist' that costs $14 million, has to go out and compete with movies that cost $140 million. How does David deal with Goliath? »
    Harvey Weinstein
  • « The simplest and most basic meaning of the symbol of the Goddess is the acknowledgment of the legitimacy of female power as a beneficent and independent power. »
    Carol P. Christ
  • « I am not a sexy woman, I'm not beautiful, I'm not a sex kitten, I don't flirt with people, yet I've been tagged more of sex symbol than women who truly are and I that's solely because I don't reveal too much: people are curious. »
    Shirley Manson
  • « For years my wedding ring has done its job. It has led me not into temptation. It has reminded my husband numerous times at parties that it's time to go home. It has been a source of relief to a dinner companion. It has been a status symbol in the maternity ward. »
    Erma Bombeck

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