| symbol | 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. "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) 2. <mathematics> Any character used to represent a quantity, an operation, a relation, or an abbreviation. In crystallography, the symbol of a plane is the numerical expression which defines its position relatively to the assumed axes. 3. An abstract or compendium of faith or doctrine; a creed, or a summary of the articles of religion. 4. [Gr. Contributions] That which is thrown into a common fund; hence, an appointed or accustomed duty. "They do their work in the days of peace . . . And come to pay their symbol in a war or in a plague." (Jer. Taylor) 5. Share; allotment. "The persons who are to be judged . . . Shall all appear to receive their symbol." (Jer. Taylor) 6. <chemistry> 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. 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. Synonym: Emblem, figure, type. See Emblem. Origin: L. Symbolus, symbolum, Gr. A sign by which one knows or infers a thing, from to throw or put together, to compare; with + to throw: cf. F. Symbole. Cf. Emblem, Parable. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| symbolia | The capability of recognizing the form and nature of an object by touch. Origin: G. Symbolon, a mark or sign (05 Mar 2000) |
| symbolics | <study> The study of ancient symbols; especially. That branch of historic theology which treats of creeds and confessions of faith; symbolism. Synonym: symbolic. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| symbolism | 1. The act of symbolizing, or the state of being symbolized; as, symbolism in Christian art is the representation of truth, virtues, vices, etc, by emblematic colours, signs, and forms. 2. A system of symbols or representations. 3. <chemistry> The practice of using symbols, or the system of notation developed thereby. A combining together of parts or ingredients. 4. The science of creeds; symbolics. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| symbolization | An unconscious mental mechanism whereby one object or idea is represented by another. (05 Mar 2000) |
| symbological | Pertaining to a symbology; versed in, or characterised by, symbology. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| symbologist | One who practices, or who is versed in, symbology. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| symbology | <study> The art of expressing by symbols. Origin: Symbol. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| symbrachydactyly | Condition in which abnormally short fingers are joined or webbed in their proximal portions. Origin: sym-+ G. Brachys, short, + daktylos, finger (05 Mar 2000) |
| symbranchii | <zoology> An order of slender eel-like fishes having the gill openings confluent beneath the neck. The pectoral arch is generally attached to the skull, and the entire margin of the upper jaw is formed by the premaxillary. Synonym: Symbranchia. Origin: NL, fr. Gr. With + a gill. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| Syme's amputation | Amputation of the foot at the ankle joint, the malleoli being sawed off, and a flap being made with the soft parts of the heel. Synonym: Syme's operation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Syme's operation | Amputation of the foot at the ankle joint, the malleoli being sawed off, and a flap being made with the soft parts of the heel. Synonym: Syme's operation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Syme, James | <person> Scottish surgeon, 1799-1870. See: Syme's amputation, Syme's operation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Symington's anococcygeal body | <anatomy> A musculofibrous band that passes between the anus and the coccyx. Synonym: ligamentum anococcygeum, anococcygeal body, raphe anococcygea, Symington's anococcygeal body. (05 Mar 2000) |
| symmelia | Synonym: sirenomelia. Origin: sym-+ G. Melos, limb (05 Mar 2000) |