/ˈmedəˌfôr,ˈmedəˌfər/

noun

1. a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.

   "her poetry depends on suggestion and metaphor"

   synonyms: figure of speech, figurative expression, image, trope, allegory, parable, analogy, comparison, symbol, emblem, word painting, word picture; literary conceit