iconology

[ ahy-kuh-nol-uh-jee ]

noun

1. the historical analysis and interpretive study of symbols or images and their contextual significance; iconography.
2. the study of icons or symbolic representations.

iconology

/ aɪˌkɒnəˈlɒdʒɪkəl; ˌaɪkɒˈnɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the study or field of art history concerning icons
2. icons collectively
3. the symbolic representation or symbolism of icons

Derived Forms

• ˌicoˈnologist, noun
• iconological, adjective

Other Words From

• i·con·o·log·i·cal [ahy-kon-l-, oj, -i-k, uh, l, ahy-k, uh, -nl-], adjective
• ico·nolo·gist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of iconology¹

First recorded in 1720–30; icono- + -logy

Example Sentences

A whole science arose out of these symbols and emblems: Iconology, which differs only in form from mythology.

From Project Gutenberg

In the Lincoln iconology, his pictures before and after the whiskers is a distinction.

From Project Gutenberg

Iconology, ī-kon-ol′o-ji, n. the doctrine of images, especially with reference to worship.

From Project Gutenberg