Internet Glossary (1) A graphical icon that represents a real person in a cyberspace system. When you enter the system, you can choose from a number of fanciful avatars. Sophisticated 3D avatars even change shape depending on what they are doing (e.g., walking, sitting, etc.).(2) A common name for the superuser account on UNIX systems. The other co [..]

An old spelling of "avatar", an incarnation in human form. Today, avatars are graphic representation of people in chat rooms or online forums.