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rebus

 - 4 dictionary results

re⋅bus

  [ree-buhs]
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–noun, plural -bus⋅es.
1. a representation of a word or phrase by pictures, symbols, etc., that suggest that word or phrase or its syllables: Two gates and a head is a rebus for Gateshead.
2. a piece of writing containing many such representations.
Origin:
1595–1605; < L rēbus by things (abl. pl. of rēs), in phrase nōn verbīs sed rēbus not by words but by things
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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re·bus   (rē'bəs)   
n.   pl. re·bus·es
A representation of words in the form of pictures or symbols, often presented as a puzzle.

[From Latin rēbus, ablative pl. of rēs, thing; see rē- in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

rebus 
1605, from L. rebus "by means of objects," ablative plural of res "thing, object," perhaps principally from the phrase de rebus quæ geruntur "of things which are going on," in reference to the satirical pieces composed by Picardy clerks at carnivals, subtle satires of current events using pictures to suggest words, phrases or things. Or it may be from the representations being non verbis sed rebus "not by words, but by things."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Encyclopedia

rebus

representation of a word or syllable by a picture of an object the name of which resembles in sound the represented word or syllable. Several rebuses may be combined-in a single device or successively-to make a phrase or sentence. Literary rebuses use letters, numbers, musical notes, or specially placed words to make sentences. Complex rebuses combine pictures and letters. Rebuses may convey direct meanings, especially to inform or instruct illiterate people; or they may deliberately conceal meanings, to inform only the initiated or to puzzle and amuse.

Learn more about rebus with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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