pictogram
pictogram Lexical Profile
pictogram Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A pictorial symbol for a word or phrase, used in early writing systems and modern public signage to convey meaning through its visual resemblance to a physical object.
"International airports rely heavily on standardized pictograms so that travelers can easily locate baggage claim and restrooms regardless of the language they speak."
A chart or graph that uses small pictures or icons to represent statistical data and numerical quantities.
"The teacher created a colorful pictogram on the board using apple icons to show how many pieces of fruit the class ate each week."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'pictogram' and 'ideogram' are often used interchangeably, a pictogram visually resembles a physical object (such as a drawing of a sun), whereas an ideogram represents an abstract concept or idea (such as a circle with a slash meaning 'prohibited').
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the mid-19th century as a hybrid formation combining Latin 'pictus' (painted), past participle of 'pingere' (to paint), with the Greek-derived suffix '-gram' (something written or drawn).