Definition of idea

• n. - The transcript, image, or picture of a visible object, that is formed by the mind; also, a similar image of any object whatever, whether sensible or spiritual.
• n. - A general notion, or a conception formed by generalization.
• n. - Hence: Any object apprehended, conceived, or thought of, by the mind; a notion, conception, or thought; the real object that is conceived or thought of.
• n. - A belief, option, or doctrine; a characteristic or controlling principle; as, an essential idea; the idea of development.
• n. - A plan or purpose of action; intention; design.
• n. - A rational conception; the complete conception of an object when thought of in all its essential elements or constituents; the necessary metaphysical or constituent attributes and relations, when conceived in the abstract.
• n. - A fiction object or picture created by the imagination; the same when proposed as a pattern to be copied, or a standard to be reached; one of the archetypes or patterns of created things, conceived by the Platonists to have excited objectively from eternity in the mind of the Deity.