symbol

Definitions

1. 1.(Math.) Any character used to represent a quantity, an operation, a relation, or an abbreviation. Note: In crystallography, the symbol of a plane is the numerical expression which defines its position relatively to the assumed axes.
2. 2.(Theol.) An abstract or compendium of faith or doctrine; a creed, or a summary of the articles of religion.
3. 3.Etym: [Gr. That which is thrown into a common fund; hence, an appointed or accustomed duty. [Obs.] They do their work in the days of peace . . . and come to pay their symbol in a war or in a plague. Jer. Taylor.
4. 4.Share; allotment. [Obs.] The persons who are to be judged . . . shall all appear to receive their symbol. Jer. Taylor.
5. 5.(Chem.) An abbreviation standing for the name of an element and consisting of the initial letter of the Latin or New Latin name, or sometimes of the initial letter with a following one; as, C for carbon, Na for sodium (Natrium), Fe for iron (Ferrum), Sn for tin (Stannum), Sb for antimony (Stibium), etc. See the list of names and symbols under Element. Note: In pure and organic chemistry there are symbols not only for the elements, but also for their grouping in formulas, radicals, or residues, as evidenced by their composition, reactions, synthesis, etc. See the diagram of Benzene nucleus, under Benzene. See Emblem.
6. 6.To symbolize. [R.] Tennyson.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Synonyms

Related questions

• What does "symbol" mean?
• What is another word for "symbol"?

Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is symbol.

• What is an abstract or compendium of faith or doctrine; a creed, or a summary of the articles of religion called?
• What is share; allotment. [Obs.] The persons who are to be judged . . . shall all appear to receive their symbol. Jer. Taylor called?