symbolization

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

symbolization
    n 1: the use of symbols to convey meaning [syn: {symbolization},
         {symbolisation}]
    2: something visible that by association or convention
       represents something else that is invisible; "the eagle is a
       symbol of the United States" [syn: {symbol}, {symbolization},
       {symbolisation}, {symbolic representation}]
    3: the practice of investing things with symbolic meaning [syn:
       {symbolism}, {symbolization}, {symbolisation}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Symbolization \Sym`bol*i*za"tion\, n. [Cf. F. symbolisation.]
   The act of symbolizing; symbolical representation. --Sir T.
   Browne.
   [1913 Webster]