pictogram (n.)

In the study of writing systems, a term used for a symbol found in picture writing; also called a pictograph. Pictography is the study of pictorial systems, or an instance of such a system. The pictograms provide a recognizable representation of entities as they exist in the world (e.g. wavy lines representing sea). Modern pictograms are widespread, such as those used in present-day road signs (e.g. crossroads ahead).