英文字典中文字典Word104.com

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Symbol \Sym"bol\ (s[i^]m"b[o^]l), n. [L. symbolus, symbolum, Gr.
sy`mbolon a sign by which one knows or infers a thing, from
symba`llein to throw or put together, to compare; sy`n with
ba`llein to throw: cf. F. symbole. Cf. {Emblem}, {Parable}.]
1. A visible sign or representation of an idea; anything
which suggests an idea or quality, or another thing, as by
resemblance or by convention; an emblem; a representation;
a type; a figure; as, the lion is the symbol of courage;
the lamb is the symbol of meekness or patience.
[1913 Webster]

A symbol is a sign included in the idea which it
represents, e. g., an actual part chosen to
represent the whole, or a lower form or species used
as the representative of a higher in the same kind.
--Coleridge.
[1913 Webster]

2. (Math.) Any character used to represent a quantity, an
operation, a relation, or an abbreviation.
[1913 Webster]

Note: In crystallography, the symbol of a plane is the
numerical expression which defines its position
relatively to the assumed axes.
[1913 Webster]

3. (Theol.) An abstract or compendium of faith or doctrine; a
creed, or a summary of the articles of religion.
[1913 Webster]

4. [Gr. ? contributions.] That which is thrown into a common
fund; hence, an appointed or accustomed duty. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]

They do their work in the days of peace . . . and
come to pay their symbol in a war or in a plague.
--Jer. Taylor.
[1913 Webster]

5. Share; allotment. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]

The persons who are to be judged . . . shall all
appear to receive their symbol. --Jer. Taylor.
[1913 Webster]

6. (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}.
[1913 Webster]

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}.
[1913 Webster]

Syn: Emblem; figure; type. See {Emblem}.
[1913 Webster]


Symbol \Sym"bol\, v. t.
To symbolize. [R.] --Tennyson.
[1913 Webster]