1. implicit comparison: the use to describe somebody or something of a word or phrase that is not meant literally but by means of a vivid comparison expresses something about him, her, or it, e.g. saying that somebody is a snake
2. figurative language: all language that involves figures of speech or symbolism and does not literally represent real things
3. symbol: one thing used or considered to represent another
[15th century. Via French or Latin< Greek metaphora< metapherein "to transfer" < pherein "to carry"]
