3 meanings
(click/touch triangles for details)
1 —as in:
computer icon
Definition
a graphic symbol (usually a simple picture) used to indicate a concept — such as a symbol on the computer screen that will run a program when clicked- People recognize well-known icons more quickly than they recognize well-known words.
icons = a graphic symbol (usually a simple picture) used to indicate a concept — such as a symbol on the computer screen that will run a program when clicked
Other Uses (with this meaning)
- I am frustrated by all those unintelligible icons. There's a reason we invented writing.
- True interactivity is not about clicking on icons or downloading files, it's about encouraging communication.
- Cranes carry this heavy mystical baggage. They're icons of fidelity and happiness. The Vietnamese believe cranes cart our souls up to heaven on our wings.Mitchell Burgess
- Only the icon for the Internet was left, sitting in the middle of the screen.Alexandra Bracken -- The Darkest Minds
- The power icon was flashing, warning that reserves were low.Alexandra Bracken -- The Darkest Minds
icons = a graphic symbol (usually a simple picture) used to indicate a concept — such as a symbol on the computer screen that will run a program when clicked
icon = a graphic image or symbol on the computer screen that will run a program when clicked
2 —as in:
pop culture icon
Definition
someone or something famous that represents something in a culture — typically greatly admired- Oprah is a pop-culture icon.
icon = someone or something famous that represents something in a culture — typically greatly admired
Other Uses (with this meaning)
- Elvis is a rock and roll icon.
- The Eiffel Tower is a French icon.
- Jackie Chan is an action-movie icon.
- Homer Simson is a cultural icon. Everyone knows who Homer Simpson is. You don't want to dress like Home Simpson.
icon = someone or something famous that represents something in a culture — typically greatly admired
3 —as in:
holy icon
Definition
a religious artwork — typically a painting of one or more religious figures — often treated as a sacred item- Icons are especially popular in Eastern Christianity.
icons = a religious artwork — typically a painting of one or more religious figures — often treated as a sacred item
Other Uses (with this meaning)
- Protestants discouraged creation and reverence of icons during the Reformation.
- He stepped back from the window and looked at an icon of the Saviour in His crown of thorns.Tolstoy, Leo -- Father Sergius
Less commonly:
Much more rarely, icon can denote an object , graphic symbol, or picture that carries a meaning outside of a computer. For example, in some cultures a simple depiction of a crane denotes happiness.