Figure

1. a numerical symbol, especially an Arabic numeral. 2. an amount or value expressed in numbers. 3. figures, the use of numbers in calculating; arithmetic: to be poor at figures. 4. a written symbol other than a letter. 5. form or shape, as determined by outlines or exterior surfaces: to be round, square, or cubical in figure. 6. the bodily form or frame: a slender or graceful figure. 7. an individual bodily form or a person with reference to form or appearance: A tall figure stood in the doorway. 8. a character or personage, especially one of distinction: a well-known figure in society. 9. a person's public image or presence: a controversial political figure. 10. the appearance or impression made by a person or sometimes a thing: to make quite a figure in financial circles; to present a wretched figure of poverty. 11. a representation, pictorial or sculptured, especially of the human form: The frieze was bordered with the figures of men and animals. 12. an emblem, type, or symbol: The dove is a figure of peace. 13. Rhetoric. a figure of speech. 14. a textural pattern, as in cloth or wood: draperies with an embossed silk figure. 15. a distinct movement or division of a dance. 16. a movement, pattern, or series of movements in skating. 17. Music. a short succession of musical notes, as either a melody or a group of chords, that produces a single complete and distinct impression. 18. Geometry. a combination of geometric elements disposed in a particular form or shape: The circle, square, and polygon are plane figures. The sphere, cube, and polyhedron are solid figures. 19. Logic. the form of a categorical syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term. 20. Optics. the precise curve required on the surface of an optical element, especially the mirror or correcting plate of a reflecting telescope. 21. the natural pattern on a sawed wood surface produced by the intersection of knots, burls, growth rings, etc. 22. a phantasm or illusion.