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word

trompe-l'œil

tromp-LOY

trɒmp ˈlɔɪ

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Syllable breakdown

trompel'œil

Dictionary meaning

Art designed to create an illusion of three-dimensional reality on a flat surface.

History and origin

French, meaning 'deceive the eye'.

Examples

  • The ceiling fresco uses trompe-l'œil to appear open to the sky.

Common mispronunciations

tromp-loy-ul

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