[met.a.phor] n [MF or L; MF metaphore, fr. L metaphora, fr. Gk, fr. metapherein to transfer, fr. meta- + pherein to bear--more at bear] (1533) 1: a figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them (as in drowning in money); broadly: figurative language--compare simile
2: an object, activity, or idea treated as a metaphor: symbol
2. -- met.a.phor.ic or met.a.phor.i.cal adj -- met.a.phor.i.cal.ly adv