symbology

[ sim-bol-uh-jee ]

noun

1. the study of symbols.
2. the use of symbols; symbolism.

symbology

/ sɪmˈbɒlədʒɪ; ˌsɪmbəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

1. the use, study, or interpretation of symbols

Derived Forms

• symbological, adjective
• symˈbologist, noun

Other Words From

• sym·bo·log·i·cal [sim-b, uh, -, loj, -i-k, uh, l], adjective
• sym·bolo·gist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of symbology¹

First recorded in 1830–40; by haplology, symbolo- (combining form of symbol ) + -logy

Example Sentences

In religious symbology, the story of the ark stands as the supreme type of creation, through the conjunction of the sexes.

From Project Gutenberg

They all belong to religious symbology, but only those which teach spiritual ideals are denominated "sacred."

From Project Gutenberg

All things that are living are expression and therefore part of the inherent symbology of life.

From Project Gutenberg

According to Plutarch, a cat placed in a lustrum denoted the moon, illustrating the mutual symbology.

From Project Gutenberg

They certainly must have a symbology for the calibration of scientific instruments.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• indication
• notion
• suspicion
• thought