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gleam definition

gleam (glēm)

noun

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

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

intransitive verb

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

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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