Infographic

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A graphic that uses visual elements to convey information and data while integrating text and imagery to simplify and clarify complex ideas is essential in communication
2. A visual format that blends statistics, text, and imagery to present information easily and effectively helps audiences understand intricate topics
3. A visual representation that merges data, text, and graphics to communicate complex information clearly and effectively serves to enhance understanding and engagement

Etymology: "Infographic" is a blend of "information" and "graphic," the two halves of the word stitched together into a single noun. "Information" comes from Latin "informatio," a shaping or outlining of an idea in the mind, while "graphic" traces back through Latin "graphicus" to Greek "graphikos," relating to drawing or writing. Put together, the word describes a picture whose job is to convey information. The clipping "info-" turns up in many modern English compounds, but its use here follows the same pattern: a short piece of a longer word joined to another word to name a new thing. The result is a noun that signals its purpose right in its construction, which is a large part of why it has been so easy to adopt.

Synonyms: data visualization, graphic representation, illustration