A small bright reflection or sparkle in the eye, especially in artistic or photographic representation; also called a catchlight.
From 'eye' + 'light' (Old English leoht). Compound formed in art terminology to describe the highlight that gives eyes dimension and life in images.
Portrait photographers obsess over eyelights—a single tiny reflection of a window or lamp in each eye is what separates a dead-looking portrait from one that seems to gaze directly at you with emotion and intelligence.
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