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.
Any character used to
represent a quantity, an operation, a relation, or an
abbreviation.
An abstract or compendium
of faith or doctrine; a creed, or a summary of the articles of
religion.
That which is
thrown into a common fund; hence, an appointed or accustomed
duty.
Share; allotment.
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.