In non-verbal communication, the symbol that represents an idea or thought is called a:

In non-verbal communication a symbol that represents an idea or thought is an abstract symbol, standing for something that cannot be touched or pictured directly.

A disguised symbol suggests a hidden or concealed sign, which is not the term for a symbol that carries an idea.

An effective symbol merely judges how well a symbol works, not the class of symbols that stand for ideas.

A conceptual symbol sounds close but is not the established label; the sign for an intangible idea is termed abstract.

A raised fist standing for resistance shows an idea given symbolic form.

By contrast a symbol standing for a touchable object is called concrete.