noun (n)

• a new personification of a familiar idea(noun.person)

  Example:
  The very avatar of cunning.
  

  Synonym:
  embodiment, incarnation
  

  source: wordnet30
• the manifestation of a Hindu deity (especially Vishnu) in human or superhuman or animal form(noun.person)

  Example:
  The Buddha is considered an avatar of the god Vishnu.
  

  source: wordnet30
• The descent of a deity to earth, and his incarnation as a man or an animal; -- chiefly associated with the incarnations of Vishnu.(noun)

  source: webster1913