OK--a word is a symbolic representation of information about the encircling environment but only when it is understood by an entity which thinks.
today (once again!) the NYT crossword has a clue (#45)Shoebox letters.
in that context(or should i call it an encircling environment)--i.e., letter found on shoeboxes-- EEE is a symbolic representation of information and while it might not be understood by everybody, it is easily understood by an entity which thinks.
i have bought shoes in england and italy.. and other places.. not everyone uses EEE (my size my the way, she admits, while crossing her toes over toes, in an effort to make her feet look smaller)--but i quickly come to understand when other codes are used, and to quickly be able to figure out my size.. (N- as in Narrow, vs, M or W or WW is one very common alternate to the A-B-...EEE gauge.)
so i am guessing you agree with faldage.. and eee is a word.
