\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.
Note: 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}.
Note: 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.