sprite
sprite Lexical Profile
sprite Game Scores & Validity
• noun
In European folklore and mythology, a small, elusive supernatural creature with magical powers, such as an elf, fairy, pixie, or water nymph.
"According to local legend, a mischievous woodland sprite lived beneath the roots of the ancient oak tree."
In computer graphics and video games, a two-dimensional bitmap image or animation that is integrated into a larger scene and can move independently of the background.
"The game developer designed a custom pixel sprite for the main character's jumping animation."
In meteorology, a large-scale, brief reddish-orange electrical discharge that occurs high in the upper atmosphere above a thunderstorm cloud.
"High-altitude cameras aboard the research aircraft captured a rare red sprite flashing miles above the thunderstorm."
• Rhymes for sprite
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Middle English sprit, a contraction of Old French esprit ('spirit'), which comes from Latin spiritus ('breath, spirit'). It shares the exact same ultimate root as 'spirit' and 'sprightly'.