In non-verbal communication, a symbol representing an object is known as:

Concept

Symbols are representations used to convey meaning. Communication theory distinguishes concrete symbols, which refer to objects, from abstract symbols, which refer to ideas or thoughts.

Application

The stem asks for the class whose referent is an object. By the definition above, that class is a concrete symbol.

Contrast

• Identify symbol suggests a label used for recognition or identification; it is not the object-versus-idea classification used here.

• Explanatory symbol suggests a label used to clarify information; it is not the standard term in this classification.

• Animated symbol describes presentation through motion; it does not classify a symbol by what it represents.

Cross-check

A word or picture standing for a chair has an object as its referent, so it is concrete. A symbol standing for justice refers to an idea, so it is abstract. Therefore, the required term is concrete symbol.