1. relating to or using or proceeding by means of symbols - symbolic logic - symbolic operations - symbolic thinking • Syn: symbolic • Pertains to noun: symbol, symbol (for: symbolic) • Derivationally related forms: symbol, symbol (for: symbolic) 2. serving as a visible symbol for something abstract - a crown is emblematic of royalty - the spinning wheel was as symbolic of colonical Massachusetts as the codfish • Syn: emblematic, emblematical, symbolic • Similar to: representative • Derivationally related forms: symbol, symbol (for: symbolic), emblem (for: emblematical), emblem (for: emblematic)