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Noun
1. the use of symbols to convey meaning
(synonym) symbolization
(hypernym) meaning, significance, signification, import
(derivation) symbolize, symbolise
2. something visible that by association or convention represents something else that is invisible; "the eagle is a symbol of the United States"
(synonym) symbol, symbolization, symbolic representation
(hypernym) representational process
(hyponym) crossbones
(derivation) typify, symbolize, symbolise, stand for, represent
3. the practice of investing things with symbolic meaning
(synonym) symbolism, symbolization
(hypernym) practice, pattern

nf. symbolization, act of representing something with a symbol, representation