I. ˈglēm noun
Etymology: Middle English gleem, from Old English glǣm; akin to Old English geolu yellow — more at yellow
Date: 15th century
1.
a. : a transient appearance of subdued or partly obscured light
the gleam of dawn in the east
b.
(1) : a small bright light
the gleam of a match
(2) : glint
a gleam in his eyes
2. : a brief or faint appearance
a gleam of hope
• gleamy ˈglē-mē adjective
II. verb
Date: 1508
intransitive verb
1. : to shine with or as if with subdued steady light or moderate brightness
2. : to appear briefly or faintly
a light gleam ed in the distance
transitive verb
: to cause to gleam
Synonyms: see flash