allegory

Definition of Allegory in English :

1. allegory, apologue, fable, parable

a short moral story (often with animal characters)

2. allegory, emblem

a visible symbol representing an abstract idea

3. allegory

an expressive style that uses fictional characters and events to describe some subject by suggestive resemblances; an extended metaphor

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Allegory

noun plural -ries

1.

a poem, play, picture, etc, in which the apparent meaning of the characters and events is used to symbolize a deeper moral or spiritual meaning

2.

the technique or genre that this represents

3.

use of such symbolism to illustrate truth or a moral

4.

anything used as a symbol or emblem

nounWord forms: plural ˈalleˌgories

1.

a story in which people, things, and happenings have a hidden or symbolic meaning

allegories are used for teaching or explaining ideas, moral principles, etc.

2.

the presenting of ideas by means of such stories

3.

any symbol or emblem

n. pl. al·le·go·ries

1.

a. The representation of abstract ideas or principles by characters, figures, or events in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form.

b. A story, picture, or play employing such representation. John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and Herman Melville's Moby-Dick are allegories.

2. A symbolic representation: The blindfolded figure with scales is an allegory of justice.