sprite

Sprite is a term used in several distinct contexts, spanning folklore, computer graphics, and consumer beverages. In folklore, a sprite denotes a small supernatural being. In computing, a sprite is a two‑dimensional image or animation embedded in a larger scene. The word is also the name of a lemon‑lime soft drink produced by The Coca‑Cola Company.

Folkloric sprites appear in European traditions and are typically depicted as diminutive, nature-associated beings that may be benevolent or mischievous. The term derives from older words for spirit or sprite, and over time it has broadened to refer to similar beings in modern fantasy fiction.

In computer graphics and video games, a sprite is a bitmap or vector image that moves independently of the background. Sprites are commonly stored in a sprite sheet and animated by cycling through frames. They enable efficient handling of characters, projectiles, and effects, and they are often processed separately from tile-based backgrounds. In hardware‑accelerated systems, sprites may be managed by dedicated graphics hardware; in software rendering, they are drawn with compositing and alpha transparency.

Sprite is a lemon‑lime flavored carbonated beverage produced by The Coca‑Cola Company. It is widely distributed and caffeine‑free, with several variants such as Sprite Zero Sugar that offer a zero‑calorie option. The brand is one of the best‑known lemon‑lime sodas worldwide.