Definition: An icon is a symbol, image, or representation that stands for an object, concept, or process. In religious contexts, an icon is a painting or sculpture of a sacred figure, revered in many traditions, especially in Eastern Christianity. In a broader sense, an icon can also refer to a person or thing regarded as a representative symbol or as worthy of veneration. In the digital realm, an icon represents an application, file, or function on a computer interface.
Etymology and Origin: The word ‘icon’ comes from the Greek ‘eikon’, meaning ‘image’ or ‘likeness’. Its usage dates back to the Byzantine period, particularly referring to religious paintings. In the modern era, the term expanded to include symbols in various contexts, including those in popular culture and computing.
