[fig.u.ra.tive] adj (14c) 1 a: representing by a figure or resemblance: emblematic b: of or relating to representation of form or figure in art "~ sculpture"
2. a: expressing one thing in terms normally denoting another with which it may be regarded as analogous: metaphorical "~ language" b: characterized by figures of speech "a ~ description" -- fig.u.ra.tive.ly adv -- fig.u.ra.tive.ness n