Sprite

In video game terms, a sprite is a 2 dimensional figure that represents some object in a game. For instance, sprites may be used to represent aircraft, missiles, or even people. On the Atari line of home computers, sprites were known as player-missile graphics.

Nowadays, most games use polygons instead of sprites, which enables them to model better 3D[?] effects and realistic movement. However, sprites are still widely-used in handheld systems and by amateur game makers. Modern 3D graphics programmers sometimes use the term "sprite" to refer specifically to a flat object with an animated texture.

see also sprite comic