* Ideogram: This is the most general term for a symbol that represents an idea or concept. It can be a picture, a symbol, or a combination of elements. Many written languages, including Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, use ideograms extensively.
* Pictogram: This specifically refers to a picture that represents a word or concept. Road signs often use pictograms, for example.
* Logogram: This refers to a written symbol that represents a whole word or morpheme (meaningful unit of language). Some examples include the symbols for numbers, currency signs, or the "&" symbol.
Other related terms:
* Rebus: A puzzle that uses pictures to represent words or phrases.
* Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts.
* Iconography: The study of symbols and their meanings.
Ultimately, the best term to use depends on the specific type of visual representation and the context in which it is used.