Rebus

/ˈriːbəs/ noun

Definition

A puzzle using pictures, symbols, or letters to represent words or syllables that form a message or phrase.

Etymology

From Latin 'rebus,' the dative plural of 'res' (thing), literally 'by things.' Roman word puzzles that conveyed meaning through objects rather than letters evolved into the modern visual puzzle form.

Kelly Says

Rebus puzzles show how humans can find meaning in symbols—your brain reads a picture of an eye + a deer + a can as 'I deer can' to figure out 'I've been canned'!

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