Sym"bol (?), n. [L. symbolus,
symbolum, Gr. sy`mbolon a sign by which one knows or
infers a thing, from ? to throw or put together, to compare;
sy`n with + ? 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.
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. (Math.) 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. (Theol.) 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. [Obs.]
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. [Obs.]
The persons who are to be judged . . . shall all appear
to receive their symbol.
Jer. Taylor.
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.
☞ 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.
Syn. -- Emblem; figure; type. See Emblem.
Sym"bol, v. t. To symbolize.
[R.] Tennyson.