image

image [im′ij]

n.

[OFr < imagene < L imaginem, acc. of imago, imitation, copy, image, akin to aemulus: see EMULATE]

1.

a) an imitation or representation of a person or thing, drawn, painted, photographed, etc.; esp., a statue

b) a sculptured figure used as an idol

2. the visual impression of something produced by reflection from a mirror, refraction through a lens, etc.

3. a person or thing very much like another; copy; counterpart; likeness

4.

a) a mental picture of something; conception; idea; impression

☆ b) the concept of a person, product, institution, etc. held by the general public, often one deliberately created or modified by publicity, advertising, propaganda, etc.

5. a type; typical example; symbol; embodiment [the very image of laziness]

6. a vivid representation; graphic description [a drama that is the image of life]

7. a figure of speech; esp., a metaphor or simile

8. Psychoanalysis a picture or likeness of a person, as of a parent, usually idealized, constructed in the unconscious and remaining there; imago

vt.

imaged, imaging [< IMAGE the n.; also < Fr imager < the n.]

1. to make a representation or imitation of; portray, delineate, etc.

2. to reflect; mirror

3. to picture in the mind; imagine

4. to be a symbol or type of

5. to describe graphically, vividly, or with figures of speech

imager

n.