icon etymology

Etymology

The word "icon" comes from the Greek word "εἰκών" (eikōn), which means "image", "likeness", or "representation". This word is related to the verb "εἴκω" (eikō), which means "to resemble".

Meaning

An icon is a small picture, symbol, or graphic that is used to represent a larger concept or idea. Icons are often used in computer interfaces, mobile apps, and other digital media to simplify complex information and make it easier for users to navigate and interact with devices.

Origin

The concept of icons has been used for centuries to represent ideas and concepts in various forms of art and communication. Early examples of icons can be found in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, where symbols were used to represent words and concepts. In the Byzantine Empire, icons were used to represent religious figures and events.

In the 20th century, the term "icon" was adopted in the field of computer science to refer to small graphical symbols used to represent files, folders, and other objects in a graphical user interface (GUI). The term has since been extended to include any small graphic or symbol that represents a concept or action in a digital environment.

icon relate terms

  • emoticon

    Etymology The term emoticon is a portmanteau of the words emotion and icon It was

  • emotion

    Etymology The word emotion derives from the Latin word emovere which means to move

  • icon

    Etymology The word icon comes from the Greek word εἰκών eikōn which means

  • iconic

    Etymology The word iconic derives from the Greek word eikon meaning image or lik

  • icon

    Etymology The word icon comes from the Greek word εἰκών eikōn which means

  • picture

    Etymology The word picture comes from the Latin word pictura meaning painting or pi

  • image

    Etymology The word image comes from the Latin word imago which in turn comes from th

  • semblance

    Etymology Middle English semblaunce from Anglo Norman French semblance from Old Fren

  • scan

    Etymology The word scan comes from the Latin scandere which means to climb or to

  • foil

    Etymology The word foil originates from the Old French word fuoille which evolved f

  • diorama

    Etymology The term diorama is derived from two Greek words dia διά through or

  • panorama

    Etymology of Panorama The word panorama comes from the Greek words pan meaning all

  • graphic

    Graphic Etymology Graphic etymology refers to the study of the origins and development of

  • symbol

    Symbol Etymology From the Greek word symbolon meaning token or sign Originally