metaphor

noun

1. (rhetoric, uncountable)The use of a word, phrase, concept, or set of concepts to refer to something other than its literal meaning, invoking an implicit similarity between the thing described and what is denoted by the word, etc., that is used.

   “The next group of computational approaches to metaphor assume that metaphor is basically a hidden analogy.”

2. (countable, rhetoric)A word or phrase used in such implied comparison.

   “A Metaphor, in place of proper words, Resemblance puts; and dress to speech affords.”

   “A Metaphor may be changed into a Simile, and also into plain language, containing neither metaphor nor simile. Thus: Metaphor. — Idleness is the rust of the soul. Simile. — As rust is to iron, so is idleness to the soul, taking away its strength and power of resistance. Plain. — Idleness takes away from the soul its strength and power of resistance.”

   “To torture the metaphor, though, they’re sitting at a table outside the Nazi bar; their friends are there, they’re having a good time, maybe they hear a slur emanate from the window from time to time.”

3. (countable)The use of an everyday object or concept to represent an underlying facet of the computer and thus aid users in performing tasks.

   “desktop metaphor; wastebasket metaphor”

verb

1. (intransitive)To use a metaphor.
2. (transitive)To describe by means of a metaphor.