n. | 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. |
| 2. | (Math.) Any character used to represent a quantity, an operation, a relation, or an abbreviation. |
| 3. | (Theol.) An abstract or compendium of faith or doctrine; a creed, or a summary of the articles of religion. |
| 4. | That which is thrown into a common fund; hence, an appointed or accustomed duty. |
| 5. | Share; allotment. |
| 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. |
v. t. | 1. | To symbolize. |
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