(Fr. trɔ̃p ˈlœ yə; Eng. ˈtrɔmp ˈleɪ, ˈlɔɪ) n. 1. visual deception, esp. in paintings, in which objects are rendered in extremely fine detail emphasizing the illusion of tactile and spatial qualities. 2. a painting, mural, or panel of wallpaper designed to create such an effect. [1895–1900; < French: literally, (it) fools the eye]EncyclopediaSeetrompe l'oeil