sym ‧ bol W3 AC /ˈsɪmb ə l/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ symbol , ↑ symbolism ; verb : ↑ symbolize ; adverb : ↑ symbolically ; adjective : ↑ symbolic ]
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ symbol , ↑ symbolism ; verb : ↑ symbolize ; adverb : ↑ symbolically ; adjective : ↑ symbolic ]
[ Date: 1400-1500 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: symbolum , from Greek symbolon 'proof of who someone is, checked by comparing its other half' , from symballein 'to throw together, compare' , from syn- ( ⇨ ↑ syn- ) + ballein 'to throw' ]
1 . a picture or shape that has a particular meaning or represents a particular organization or idea ⇨ sign :
The symbol on the packet is a guarantee that the food has been produced organically.
symbol of
The dove is a symbol of peace.
2 . a letter, number, or sign that represents a sound, an amount, a chemical substance etc
symbol for
Fe is the chemical symbol for iron.
3 . someone or something that represents a particular quality or idea
symbol of
Space exploration provides a symbol of national pride.
⇨ ↑ sex symbol