icon /(ī"kŏn)/
i·con
icon
n.
-
An image or representation; a portrait or pretended portrait.
Netherlands whose names and icons are published.
- A sacred picture representing the Virgin Mary, Christ, a saint, or a martyr, and having the same function as an image of such a person in the Latin Church. The term is used especially for a highly stylized and conventionalized representation of a holy person, rich in symbolism and used in devotional services in many of the eastern Orthodox churches, especially the Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches. (Gr. Ch.)
- a symbol, especially a symbol whose form suggests its meaning or the object it represents.
- a graphical symbol for a data object whose form suggests the nature or function of the object; especially, such a symbol as viewed on the computer screen. (Computers)
-
any object of uncritical devotion.
The former congresswoman and Vice-Presidential candidate Geraldine Ferraro is still an icon to many party members.
- an outstanding example of something which has come to represent the class of things to which it belongs; a paragon; used of persons as well as objects.