aniconic

adjective

an·​icon·​ic

¦aˌnī¦känik

1

: symbolic or suggestive rather than literally representational : not made or designed as a likeness

trees, boulders, and other aniconic objects of primitive worship

an aniconic image

2

: without idols or images : opposed to the use of idols or images

an aniconic religion

Word History

Etymology

an- + iconic

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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