líkan

líkan is an Icelandic noun meaning likeness, image, or representation. It is used for both visual replicas and conceptual constructs, covering physical objects that resemble another thing as well as abstract models or simulations of systems.

In art and culture, líkan often refers to a representation of a person or object, such as a statue, bust, portrait, or other likeness. In academic and technical contexts, the term is common for models used to analyze or explain phenomena, including mathematical, computational, or physical representations of a process or system.

Líkan also appears in everyday language to describe any resemblance or comparison between things. Its versatility makes it a general term across disciplines, bridging discussions of sculpture and portraiture with discussions of theory and simulation.

Notes on usage and scope: líkan is a standard Icelandic noun with inflection appropriate to Icelandic grammar. While its core meaning centers on representation, the precise nuance depends on context, ranging from tangible objects intended to resemble another to abstract models used for study and prediction.