1. Plural of iconology; the study of the meaning and symbolism of images, icons, and visual representations, especially in art history and cultural analysis.
Usage: academic; art history
2. Systems or collections of icons and their symbolic meanings within a particular culture, religion, or artistic tradition.
Usage: academic

Examples

• The professor's lectures on Renaissance iconologies revealed hidden meanings in classical paintings.
• Different iconologies across cultures show how symbols carry distinct spiritual significance.
• Art historians use iconologies to interpret the religious imagery in medieval manuscripts.
• The study of iconologies helps us understand how visual symbols communicate complex ideas.
• Byzantine iconologies developed sophisticated systems for representing divine figures.
• Modern iconologies examine how contemporary media creates and perpetuates visual symbols.