Definition of "icon" in English

noun

1. An image, symbol, picture, portrait, or other representation, usually as an object of religious devotion.

2. (religion, especially Eastern Christianity) A type of religious painting portraying a saint or scene from Scripture, often done on wooden panels.

3. (by extension) A person or thing that is the best example of a certain profession or some doing.

   • That man is an icon in the business; he personifies loyalty and good business sense.

4. (graphical user interface) A small picture that represents something.

   • Click the loudspeaker icon to configure audio settings.

5. (linguistics, semiotics) A word, character, or sign whose form reflects and is determined by the referent; onomatopoeic words are necessarily all icons.

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