aniconic

English

Etymology

From an- +‎ iconic.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /anʌɪˈkɒnɪk/

Adjective

aniconic (comparative more aniconic, superlative most aniconic)

1. Of or pertaining to representations without human or animal form.
   • 1907, Ronald M. Burrows, The Discoveries In Crete, page 25:

     While Father Kronos and the world he ruled, confident that the new anthropomorphism was destroyed, clung to the stone child, the aniconic pillar worship that expressed itself in the Bethels of the Semites and the Pillar Rooms at Knossos.

   • 2004, Robert Irwin, The Alhambra, Profile Books, published 2005, page 127:

     With the notable exceptions of the painted ceilings in the Hall of the Kings and the sculpted lions that guard the fountain in the courtyard, the Alhambra is a strikingly aniconic building.

Related terms

• aniconism

Translations

not having or involving icons

• German: anikonisch (de)
• Portuguese: anicónico (Portugal), anicônico (Brazil)

See also

• iconoclastic