Etym. 1784, “descent of a Hindu deity,” from Sanskrit. In computer use, it seems to trace to the novel “Snowcrash” (1992) by Neal Stephenson.
Definition
A graphical representation, typically three-dimensional, of a person capable of relatively complex actions, including facial expression and physical responses, while participating in a virtual simulation-based experience. The user controls the avatar through the use of a mouse, keyboard, or a type of joystick to move through the virtual simulation-based experience. (Riley, 2015).