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trompe l'oeil

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noun, often attributive \(ˌ)trȯmp-ˈlə-ē, trōⁿp-ˈlœi\

Definition of trompe l'oeil

  1. 1 :  a style of painting in which objects are depicted with photographically realistic detail; also :  the use of similar technique in interior decorating

  2. 2 :  a trompe l'oeil painting or effect

  3. 3 :  something that misleads or deceives the senses :  illusion

See trompe l'oeil defined for English-language learners

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Origin and Etymology of trompe l'oeil

French trompe-l'œil, literally, deceives the eye

TROMPE L'OEIL Defined for English Language Learners

trompe l'oeil

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noun

Definition of trompe l'oeil for English Language Learners

  • : a style of painting in which things are painted in a way that makes them look like real objects

Learn More about trompe l'oeil

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trompe l'oeil

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