'symbol' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'sýmbolon,' where 'sym-' meant 'together' and 'ballein' meant 'to throw.'

'sýmbolon' transformed into the Latin word 'symbolum,' and eventually became the modern English word 'symbol' through Old French.

Initially, it meant 'a token or sign,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a representation of something abstract.'