noun
1. the use of symbols to convey meaning
• Syn: ↑symbolisation
• Derivationally related forms: ↑symbolise (for: ↑symbolisation), ↑symbolize
• Hypernyms: ↑meaning, ↑significance, ↑signification, ↑import
2. something visible that by association or convention represents something else that is invisible
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the eagle is a symbol of the United States
• Syn: ↑symbol, ↑symbolisation, ↑symbolic representation
• Derivationally related forms: ↑symbolise (for: ↑symbolisation), ↑symbolize, ↑symbolical (for: ↑symbol), ↑symbolic (for: ↑symbol), ↑symbolize (for: ↑symbol), ↑symbolise (for: ↑symbol)
• Hypernyms: ↑representational process
• Hyponyms:
↑crossbones, ↑horn of plenty, ↑cornucopia, ↑death's head, ↑oriflamme, ↑white feather, ↑emblem, ↑allegory
3. the practice of investing things with symbolic meaning
• Syn: ↑symbolism, ↑symbolisation
Useful english dictionary. 2012.