English

Etymology

Literally to throw together. From symbolum and prior to that from [[]] which both meant mark or token. The Greek root of the word is from two words, βολς throw and the prefix συμ together.

Pronunciation

• (US) SAMPA:/sIm.bVl/

Homynyms

• cymbal

Noun

1. A character or glyph representing an idea, concept or object.

   example

   • "$ is the symbol for dollars in the US and some other countries"
   • "'#' is the hash symbol"

1. Any object, typically material, which is meant to represent another (usually abstract) even if there is no meaningful relationship.

   example

   • "The dollar symbol has no relationship to the concept of currency or any related idea."

Translations

• Chinese: 符号
• French: symbole m, sigle m
• German: Symbol n
•  : simbolo
• Italian: simbolo m
• Lithuanian: simbolis m

Related Words

• typographical symbol
• punctuation
• symbolic
• symbolism