What is an avatar?

[#1]

I'm new to this.could you please tell me what an avatar is

Moderator's note by Mike (Mav): Changed thread title to reflect issue after thread moved.

[#2]

Moderator's note:

Moved to it's own thread from an eight-year-old thread.

[#3]

The picture shown to the left of your name, so choose what you want I guess within sensible limits.
If you don't pick your own you're just shown a generic forum software one.

[#4]

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@royshaw wrote:

I'm new to this.could you please tell me what an avatar is

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Here you go. 

[#5]

As said though the man is the street would say.........................

[#6]

Or:-

1 The incarnation of a Hindu deity (such as Vishnu)

2 a :an incarnation in human form

   b :an embodiment (as of a concept or philosophy) often in a person