metaphor

n. 1 application of a name or description to something to which it is not literally applicable (e.g. A glaring error). 2 instance of this.  metaphoric adj. Metaphorical adj. Metaphorically adv. [latin from greek]

n. The transference of the relation between one set of objects to another set for the purpose of brief explanation; a compressed simile; e. g., the ship plows the sea.