Molecular biologists often refer to depictions of cellular processes or structure as cartoons. (here is an example). I think it is a poor word choice. Cartoon is generally used to indicate a humorous depiction or an unfinished product (i.e., a sketch on a carton), so it is somewhat insulting to the creator of the illustration (unless it is, in fact, unfinished or humorous). What I think they are trying to say by calling their diagram a cartoon is something like: "do not forget that this diagram is a vast oversimplification of reality! Proteins are not really boxes and lines are really not protein associations! Proteins aren't made of ribbons!" At times, one also gets the feeling they are trying to convey something more, "Our field is so complex, our diagrams are ludicrously simple compared to reality!" or even, "Aren't I cute for calling this a cartoon even though this is a science talk!"
Fortunately, there are several other words suggesting that a depiction is not a precise representation of reality but rather a simplification that serves to emphasize certain facts or relationships, and they don't carry any of cartoon's demeaning connotations: diagram, figure, illustration, schematic. IMHO, these are vastly preferable for referring to depictions of biological phenomenon. This seems to be well supported by definitions, synonyms, and word associations:
Merriam-Webster (online) diagram
Etymology: Greek diagramma, from diagraphein to mark out by lines, from dia- + graphein to write — more at carve
Date: 1619
1: a graphic design that explains rather than represents; especially: a drawing that shows arrangement and relations (as of parts) 2: a line drawing made for mathematical or scientific purposes
1: a diagrammatic presentation; broadly: a structured framework or plan : outline
figure
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin figura, from fingere
Date: 13th century
2 a: a geometric form (as a line, triangle, or sphere) especially when considered as a set of geometric elements (as points) in space of a given number of dimensions b: bodily shape or form especially of a person c: an object noticeable only as a shape or form s moving in the dusk> 3 a: the graphic representation of a form especially of a person or geometric entity b: a diagram or pictorial illustration of textual matter
illustration
Date: 14th century
2: something that serves to illustrate: as a: an example or instance that helps make something clear b: a picture or diagram that helps make something clear or attractive
cartoon
Etymology: Italian cartone pasteboard, cartoon, augmentative of carta leaf of paper — more at card
Date: 1671
1: a preparatory design, drawing, or painting (as for a fresco) 2 a: a drawing intended as satire, caricature, or humor b: comic strip 3: animated cartoon 4: a ludicrously simplistic, unrealistic, or one-dimensional portrayal or version ;
Thesaurus.com
diagram
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: drawing, sketch of form or plan
Synonyms: big picture, blueprint, chart, description, design, draft, figure, floor plan, game, game plan, ground plan, layout, outline, perspective, representation, rough draft
illustration
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: drawing, artwork that assists explanation
Synonyms: adornment, cartoon, decoration, depiction, design, engraving, etching, figure, frontispiece, halftone, image, line drawing, painting, photo, photograph, picture, plate, sketch, snapshot, tailpiece, vignette
cartoon
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: funny drawing, often with dialogue or caption
Synonyms: animation, caricature, comic strip, drawing, lampoon, parody, representation, satire, sketch, takeoff
www.wordassociation.org
associated to diagram
1. chart weak
2. graph weak
3. draw v. weak
4. plan v. weak
5. block v. weak
associated from diagram
1. chart medium
2. picture medium
3. diaphragm weak
4. drawing v. weak
5. graph v. weak
