1. a religious image or representation of a sacred person, especially in Eastern Orthodox Christianity
Usage: also spelled 'icon'; common in Russian and Greek Orthodox traditions
2. a person or thing regarded as a representative symbol or object of devotion
Usage: figurative use

Examples

• The museum displayed a beautiful 16th-century ikon from Russia.
• She lit a candle before the ikon in the Orthodox chapel.
• The ikon depicted the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child.
• Many pilgrims traveled to venerate the ancient ikon.
• The artist studied traditional ikon painting techniques for years.