Pronunciation: [lˈa͡ɪv ˈa͡ɪkɒn] (IPA) 
The spelling of "live icon" can be a bit confusing, as the two words are both pronounced with a long "i" sound. However, the IPA phonetic transcription helps to clarify the difference: "live" is pronounced /laɪv/, with the "i" sounding like the word "eye", while "icon" is pronounced /ˈaɪkɑn/, with the "i" sounding like the word "ick". Therefore, the spelling of "live icon" is simply a combination of two distinct pronunciations.
A "live icon" is a symbolic representation or graphic symbol used on electronic devices or computer interfaces to depict an application, program, or function that is currently active or running. It serves as a visual indication of real-time activity or functionality.
Live icons typically appear as small, stylized images or logos on a user interface, such as a desktop, mobile device home screen, or software application. These icons may be designed to resemble logos, miniature representations, or simplified illustrations of the underlying application or program. They often incorporate dynamic elements or animations, such as pulsating or moving graphics, to further highlight their real-time nature and attract the user's attention.
Unlike static icons that merely represent static links or shortcuts to applications, live icons provide real-time information, updates, or access to dynamic features. For instance, a live icon for a messaging application may display the number of unread messages, while a live icon for a weather app may showcase the current weather conditions or temperature. Live icons harness the ability to dynamically change and display information relevant to the application or program they represent.
The purpose of live icons is to enhance user experience by providing readily available and up-to-date information at a glance, allowing users to monitor or interact with their applications without actually launching them. They encourage swift and efficient navigation by eliminating the need to open individual applications to seek information or updates, ultimately saving time and streamlining the user's workflow.
The term "live icon" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a combination of two separate words.
"Live" comes from the Old English word "līf", which means "life". This word has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "*libam", meaning "life" or "to be alive".
"Icon", on the other hand, originated from the Greek word "eikṓn", which means "image" or "likeness". It has been used in English since the 16th century to refer to pictures or graphical representations.
When combined, "live icon" typically refers to a graphical representation or image that is connected to a living person or event, often used in the context of technology or online platforms. The etymology, in this case, would simply be a combination of the root meanings of "live" and "icon".
