icono-, icon-

The absence of visual or graphic representation of a god or deity in a religion even when there is no prohibition of such in the religion: The recently discovered religious texts were distinctive as they were aniconias and contained no illustrations of the local deities.  

A description of things that are symbolic or suggestive rather than representing actual deities: Dr. Black, the anthropologist, studied the various anionic objects of worship or their veneration as seen in primitive religions; for example, anionic trees and rocks were symbolic of gods without representing any actual images of them.

Some religions are opposed to the use or presentation of aniconic icons or idols.

1. Opposition to the use of idols or images: Aniconism is a regulation by some religions against the representations of divine creatures.

Among some religious groups, there is a prohibition against aniconism of any images of either living creatures or of any deities.

2. The worship of objects that are symbolic but which do not actually show an image of a god or gods: In the early history of Christianity (726 A.D., Byzantine Emperor Leo 3), there were aniconisms that prohibited the veneration or worship among Christians of any representations of deities.

Those who worship such things as trees, rocks, stars, and other natural objects that are symbolic of gods without showing any images of a god or gods: The aniconists of the past, and even in the present times, do not use idols or images of deities to worship.

Someone who is hostile to images: "There are icomachs who destroy idols because such presentations are considered disrespectful towards something sacred.

Someone who is extremely and excessively interested in images.

1. A visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface; such as, a picture, image, or other representation.
2. Eastern Church, a representation of some sacred personage, as Christ or a saint or angel, painted usually on a wood surface and venerated itself as sacred.
3. A sign or representation that stands for its object by virtue of a resemblance or analogy to it.
4. An important and enduring symbol.
5. In semiotics, that stands for its object by virtue of a resemblance or analogy to it.
6. With computers, a sign, representation, or a picture on a computer screen that represents a specific file, directory, window, option, or program.

When an icon is clicked on, some action is performed; such as, opening a directory or aborting a file transfer.

The term originates from Alan Kay's theory for designing interfaces which was primarily based on the work of Jerome Bruner. Bruner's second developmental stage, iconic, uses a system of representation that depends on visual or other sensory organization and upon the use of summarising images.

1. Relating to or characteristic of someone or something admired as an icon: "Her fame has grown to iconic proportions."
2. Relating to or characteristic of a religious icon; iconic images.
3. Made in a conventional style or pose, especially that of an ancient Greek statues of athletes.

1. A reference to or characteristic of an icon.
2. In art, referring to statues, portraits, etc. which are executed according to a convention or tradition.

The formation of a figure, representation, or semblance; a delineation or description.

1. To form an image or likeness of.
2. In computing, to make into an icon; to reduce to the size of an icon.

The belief or attitude that images (or icons) are or should be the central element in the universe: "Believers of iconocentrism believe images play the most important role in their religions, other things (the deity, people, objects, or text, perhaps) being subservient to them."

1. The action or spirit of iconoclasts.
2. The beliefs, practices, or doctrine of an iconoclast.
3. A challenge to or overturning of traditional beliefs, customs, and values.
4. The destruction of religious images used in worship, or strong opposition to their use in worship.