metaphor

Meanings

Noun

• The use of a word or phrase to refer to something other than its literal meaning, invoking an implicit similarity between the thing described and what is denoted by the word or phrase.
• A word or phrase used in such implied comparison.
• The use of an everyday object or concept to represent an underlying facet of the computer and thus aid users in performing tasks.

Verb

• To use a metaphor.
• To describe by means of a metaphor.

Related

Broader meaning words

• figure of speech, trope

Origin

• From Middle French métaphore, from Latin metaphora, from Ancient Greek μεταφορά, from μεταφέρω, from μετά + φέρω