gleam

[[t]gli͟ːm[/t]]

gleams, gleaming, gleamed

1) VERB If an object or a surface gleams, it reflects light because it is shiny and clean.

His black hair gleamed in the sun.

[V-ing] ...a gleaming red sports car.

2) N-SING You can refer to the light reflected from something as a gleam. [LITERARY]

...the gleam of the dark river...

In the light that fell on her from the hall her fair hair had a golden gleam.

3) VERB If a light or the sun or moon gleams, it shines faintly. [LITERARY]

Neon lights gleamed in the deepening mists.

4) N-COUNT: N of n A gleam of light is a pale, clear light. [WRITTEN]

...the gleam of the headlights.

5) VERB If your eyes gleam, they look bright and show that you are excited or happy. [WRITTEN]

His eyes gleamed almost wickedly.

Syn:

glisten, shine

6) N-SING If someone has a gleam in their eye, their eyes show a particular feeling. [WRITTEN]

There was a gleam in her eye when she looked at me.

7) N-COUNT: N of n A gleam of something is a faint sign of it.

There was a gleam of hope for a peaceful settlement.

...gleams of wit.

Syn:

glimmer

8) PHRASE: usu v-link PHR If you say that something is only a gleam in someone's eye at present, you mean that it is only being planned or considered, and has not yet been properly begun.

The product is still only a gleam in an engineer's eye.