avatar

n. [ Skr. avatâra descent; ava from + root t&rsdot_; to cross, pass over. ] 1. (Hindu Myth.) The descent of a deity to earth, and his incarnation as a man or an animal; -- chiefly associated with the incarnations of Vishnu. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. An incarnation, embodiment or personification of a principle, quality, or attitude; -- used of people, mostly in a positive sense as a manifestation of a behavior or character worthy of admiration. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

Martha Stewart, the home-and-hearth avatar whose products are now available at Kmart stores, is making upscale design touches like 200-thread-count cotton bed sheets something that most every American can aspire to. Leslie Kaufman (N. Y. Times, May 7, 1999). [ 1913 Webster ]