# Symbol

A sign that means by convention, habit or rule.

**Source:** “whose relation to their objects is an imputed character” [Peirce's Theory of Signs (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/peirce-semiotics/)

See also: [Icon](/reference/glossary/icon), [Index](/reference/glossary/index-sign), [Interpretant](/reference/glossary/interpretant).

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Published 2026-10-29. Web page: https://www.mackenziebowes.com/reference/glossary/symbol