Symbol

A symbol is a representation of a thing, concept, or quality. A word, for example, is a symbol which references its own definition; that is, it "stands for" the thing defined in a given language. Mathematical symbols likewise represent quantities, operations, et cetera. The manipulation of these symbols allows one to explore the relationships between the things, ideas, or qualities. In a literary or psychic context symbolism is one thing standing or referring to another.

See also