Icona

icona is the Italian term for icon, used to describe a religious sacred image, a symbol of something revered, or a graphic representation on a computer screen. In everyday language, an icona can refer to a person or object widely recognized as a cultural symbol, as in “icona di stile” or “icona pop.” The term is also used in branding and design as a name for products, companies, or artistic projects.

Origin and usage: The word derives from the Greek eikon via Latin and Italian; in religious contexts, icon refers to a small, formal painting of a sacred figure used in Eastern Christian worship. In secular usage it has broadened to designate symbolic images and persons who represent a movement or era. The contemporary sense encompasses both visual symbols and celebrated individuals who embody a recognizable identity.

In contemporary Italian, icona is widely used in media and journalism to describe fashion icons, film stars, or sports figures. In computing, the term is translated as icona for the small graphic that represents a program, file, or function on a computer interface. The expression “icona culturale” or “icona di stile” remains common in discussions of public figures and cultural phenomena.

See also: icon, iconography, iconoclasm.