- 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 of gleamMiddle English glem from Old English glæm from Indo-European an unverified form ghlei- from an unverified form ?hel-, to shine, gleam from source gold, glass, glow
- to shine or reflect with a gleam or gleams
- to appear or be revealed briefly or suddenly