Symbol

Symbol is a technical term for the entire printed pattern of machine-readable codes including QR codes, barcodes, and Data Matrix. ISO standards refer to each individual QR code as a "QR code symbol."

What everyday conversation calls a "QR code" is referred to as a "symbol" in technical specifications and standards documents. A symbol includes all components: finder patterns, timing patterns, alignment patterns, data areas, error correction areas, and format information.