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gleam

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The definition of a gleam is a brief flash of light or a weak light that lasts for awhile.

(noun)

An example of a gleam is a beam of light peeking through an open door.

Gleam is defined as to shine briefly, glow or flash.

(verb)

An example of to gleam is to briefly shine a flashlight into a dark cave.

See gleam in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a flash or beam of light
a faint light
a reflected brightness, as from a polished surface
a brief, faint manifestation or trace, as of hope, understanding, etc.

Origin: ME glem < OE glæm < IE *ghlei- < *ĝhel-, to shine, gleam > gold, glass, glow

intransitive verb

to shine or reflect with a gleam or gleams
to appear or be revealed briefly or suddenly

Related Forms:

gleamy adjective

See gleam in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A brief beam or flash of light: saw gleams of daylight through the cracks.
A steady but subdued shining; a glow: the gleam of burnished gold.
A brief or dim indication; a trace: a gleam of intelligence.

verb gleamed, gleam·ing, gleams

To emit a gleam; flash or glow: “Their tile roofs gleamed in the moon's pallid radiance” (Laura Joh Rowland). See Synonyms at flash.
To be reflected as a gleam: The sun gleamed on the water.
To be manifested or indicated briefly or faintly.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English glem

Origin: , from Old English glǣm; see ghel-² in Indo-European roots

Related Forms:

gleamˈer noun

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