metaphor

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a figure of speech in which an expression is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity

   The sentence 'you are a machine' is a common metaphor, suggesting that a particular human has machine-like qualities.

2. 2
   noun

   The use of a word, phrase, concept, or set of concepts to refer to something other than its literal meaning, invoking an implicit similarity between the thing described and what is denoted by the word, etc., that is used.

   The next group of computational approaches to metaphor assume that metaphor is basically a hidden analogy.

3. 3
   noun

   A word or phrase used in such implied comparison.

   A Metaphor, in place of proper words, Resemblance puts; and dress to speech affords.

4. 4
   noun

   The use of an everyday object or concept to represent an underlying facet of the computer and thus aid users in performing tasks.

   desktop metaphor; wastebasket metaphor

5. 5
   verb

   To use a metaphor.

6. 6
   verb

   To describe by means of a metaphor.

Etymology

From Middle French métaphore, from Latin metaphora, from Ancient Greek μεταφορά (metaphorá), from μεταφέρω (metaphérō, “to transfer, apply”), from μετά (metá, “with, across, after”) + φέρω (phérō, “to bear, carry”).