gleam

What it means

A gleam is a small, bright flash or glow of light, especially one reflected off a surface. It can also describe a brief sign of a feeling or quality, as in a gleam of hope.

Gleam in a sentence

A gleam of sunlight caught the edge of the old brass key.

Similar words: glint, glimmer, sparkle

Where it comes from

From Old English glǣm, meaning brightness or splendour.