sprite
A sprite is a 2D entity in computer graphics. Sprites are simpler to animate than 3D models, but are usually considered obsolete for most purposes (ie, characters and weaponry are usually expected to be 3D, but grass and leaves can be sprites; indie games are exempt from this). Early video game computers outright could not handle full 3D; therefore 2D graphics segmented not unlike animation cels were used. By rapidly displaying one sprite after another, the illusion of movement was created (exactly like film frames).
In mythology, a sprite is a subtype of fairy, similar to a pixie.
