ideograph

[ id-ee-uh-graf, ahy-dee- ]

noun

1. ideogram ( def ).
2. Rhetoric. an ordinary language term that, within a particular ideology, has developed a loose, flexible, nonspecific use that stands for values and ideas present within that ideology, rather than having a specific, concrete meaning:

   In the training materials, <leadership> is used as an ideograph to reinforce the military hierarchy.

Other Words From

• id·e·o·graph·ic [id-ee-, uh, -, graf, -ik, ahy-dee-], id·e·o·graph·i·cal adjective
• id·e·o·graph·i·cal·ly adverb
• un·id·e·o·graph·ic adjective
• un·id·e·o·graph·i·cal adjective
• un·id·e·o·graph·i·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ideograph¹

First recorded in 1825–35; ideo- + -graph

Example Sentences

For example, the ideograph meaning "to speak" is a mouth with two words and a flame coming out of it.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus a chessboard was an ideograph, and stood for a gift, and sometimes a building.

From Project Gutenberg

The parcel-post, an hour later, brought him his own ideograph, returned without a word.

From Project Gutenberg

The same ideograph Im that signifies Ramman also means distress.

From Project Gutenberg

Some Japanese newspapers have undertaken to limit themselves in the use of the ideograph.

From Project Gutenberg