[icon] n [L, fr. Gk eikon, fr. eikenai to resemble] (1572) 1: a usu. pictorial representation: image
2: a conventional religious image typically painted on a small wooden panel and used in the devotions of Eastern Christians
3: an object of uncritical devotion: idol
4: emblem, symbol "the house became an ~ of 1860's residential architecture --Paul Goldberger"
5. a: a sign (as a word or graphic symbol) whose form suggests its meaning b: a graphic symbol on a computer display screen that suggests the purpose of an available function -- icon.ic adj -- icon.i.cal.ly adv