em|blem

em|blem «EHM bluhm», noun, verb.

–n.

1. a symbol; sign of an idea; token: »

The dove is an emblem of peace. The white flag is the emblem of surrender.

2. a heraldic device.

3. any object used as a symbol: »

Spades, the emblem of untimely graves (William Cowper).

4. a picture suggesting a moral, often with an accompanying explanation, proverb, or the like.

5. Obsolete. an inlaid ornament; inlaid work.

–v.t.

1. to represent by an emblem; emblematize: »

a medal struck to emblem a victory.

2. to decorate with an emblem: »

a uniform emblemed with stars and stripes.

╂[< Latin emblēma, -ātis inlaid work < Greek émblēma insertion, embossed ornament < en- in + stem of bállein throw]

Synonym Study noun. 1 Emblem, symbol mean something that stands for something else. Emblem applies to an object, or its likeness, that is especially suitable to suggest the nature of an idea, country, etc.: »

The eagle is the emblem of the United States.

Symbol, often interchangeable with emblem, applies particularly to something chosen to stand for an idea or quality, without any thought of special fitness: »

The skull and crossbones is a symbol of piracy. The swastika was the emblem of the Nazi party and a symbol of intolerance.