Here’s what the symbol means and where it came from. The iconic power symbol, explained The power symbol, which can still be seen on nearly all modern PCs and laptops, originated in the 1950s.

The power symbol is expressed in several ways, but most people are likely familiar with the circle that has a line extending from its center, breaking its border to the top.

An electric power button symbol inched past other entries to win New York’s condom wrapper design contest, the city said Tuesday. The winning design shows the familiar “on” symbol… ...

An electric power button symbol inched past other entries to win New York's condom wrapper design contest, the city said Tuesday. The winning design shows the familiar "on" symbol found on ...

Since the colors are electric green on black, and since the symbol to the right looks an awful lot like the symbol in the middle of the power button on the face of the 360, it’s not hard to see why.