metaphor UK /ˈmɛt.ə.fə/US /ˈmɛt.ə.foɹ/noun 3verb 2forms 3 noun3 •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. — 2013 •A word or phrase used in such implied comparison.A Metaphor, in place of proper words, Resemblance puts; and dress to speech affords. — 1835 •The use of an everyday object or concept to represent an underlying facet of the computer and thus aid users in performing tasks. verb2 •To use a metaphor. •To describe by means of a metaphor. formsmetaphored · metaphoring · metaphors
