metaphor

A figure of speech in which one thing is compared to another without using the words like or as. A simile is a comparison that uses like or as to make the connection. Metaphor: "The touch of the sea is sensuous, enfolding the body in its soft, close embrace" (sea is compared to a lover). Simile: "The foamy wavelets curled up to her white feet, and coiled like serpents about her ankles" (wavelets are compared to serpents). In both cases, the thing used as a comparison is not really there (lover and serpents).