See icon in Webster's New World College Dictionary
noun
an image; figure; representation
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.
See icon in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(īˈkŏnˌ)
noun
also i·kon(īˈkŏnˌ)
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.