1. : a reproduction or imitation of the form of a person or thing 2. a : the optical counterpart of an object produced by an optical device (as a lens or mirror) or an electronic device  b : a visual representation of something: as (1) : a likeness of an object produced on a photographic material (2) : a picture produced on an electronic display (as a television or computer screen) 3. : a mental picture or impression of something 4. : a vivid or graphic representation or description