skeuomorph

[ skyoo-uh-mawrf ]

noun
  1. an ornament or design on an object that mimics the form of the object when made from another material or by other techniques, usually one that reflects a previously functional element, as an imitation metal rivet mark found on handles of prehistoric pottery.

  2. Digital Technology. a design or design element, as an icon on a digital device, that mimics the three-dimensional look or the sound of a physical object, such as LCD hands on a smartwatch or the shutter sound on a digital camera.

Origin of skeuomorph

1
First recorded in 1885–90; from Greek skeû(os) “vessel, implement” + -o- + -morph

Other words from skeuomorph

  • skeu·o·mor·phic [skyoo-uh-mawr-fik] /ˌskyu əˈmɔr fɪk/ adjective
  • skeu·o·mor·phics, noun

Words Nearby skeuomorph

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use skeuomorph in a sentence

  • Now one part of the body was surrendered to the skeuomorph and anon another.

    Evolution in Art | Alfred C. Haddon
  • This particular skeuomorph is composed of a band that winds in and out among a row of rods or discs.

    Evolution in Art | Alfred C. Haddon
  • To speak somewhat figuratively, heteromorphism is a sort of disease that may attack the skeuomorph or the biomorph.

    Evolution in Art | Alfred C. Haddon