1. The incarnation of a Hindu deity, especially Vishnu, in human or animal form.

2. An embodiment or manifestation, as of a quality or concept:"Reagan was at his strongest as the avatar of American consensus, peddling a sunny normalcy, a happy-go-lucky and ultimately accommodating attitude"(Gil Troy).

3. A temporary manifestation or aspect of a continuing entity:occultism in its present avatar.

4. An icon, graphic, or other image by which a person represents himself or herself on a communications network or in a virtual community, such as a chatroom or multiplayer game.