icon

The definition of an icon is a graphic representation of something, a person or thing that is symbolic or is a noted figure.

(noun)

An example of an icon is the "home" or "finder" icon on your computer.
An example of an icon is a beautiful celebrity who is the best example of the western ideal of beauty.
An example of an icon is a painting of Jesus Christ.

See icon in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

1. an image; figure; representation
2. any of various stylized figures, as displayed on a microcomputer screen, representing available functions or resources
Eastern Orthodox Ch. an image or picture of Jesus, Mary, a saint, etc., venerated as sacred
any person or thing that is revered
someone or something regarded as embodying the essential characteristics of an era, group, etc.

Origin: L < Gr eikōn, an image, figure (in LGr, sacred image) < IE base *weik-, to resemble > Lith į-vỹkti, to happen, become true

icono-: used before a vowel

See icon in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

also i·kon
a. An image; a representation.
b. A representation or picture of a sacred or sanctified Christian personage, traditionally used and venerated in the Eastern Church.
An important and enduring symbol: “Voyager will take its place … alongside such icons of airborne adventure as The Spirit of St. Louis and [the] Bell X-1” (William D. Marbach).
One who is the object of great attention and devotion; an idol: “He is … a pop icon designed and manufactured for the video generation” (Harry F. Waters).
Computer Science A picture on a screen that represents a specific file, directory, window, option, or program.