ideograph

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

noun

ideogram.
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.

Origin of ideograph

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

id·e·o·graph·ic [id-ee-uh-graf-ik, ahy-dee-], /ˌɪd i əˈgræf ɪk, ˌaɪ di-/, 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

The outside edge of this chart bore twenty-seven ideographs, which suggest or determine the song or speech required.
The Swastika | Thomas Wilson
In China the pronunciation of ideographs underwent much change; besides it has varied according to localities.
A Fantasy of Far Japan | Baron Kencho Suyematsu
Some young fellow, brighter than the rest, developed a system of ideographs which he scratched on broad, smooth leaves.
Inca Land | Hiram Bingham
Had the new invention been permitted to exist a little longer, some one would have commenced to scratch ideographs on rocks.
Inca Land | Hiram Bingham
The latter is written by ideographs, and you must have a sign for each idea.
The Gist of Japan | R. B. Peery

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