A sprite is just a 2D image. Animation in old 2D games would usually store several frames of animation in a single image, similar to the current use in CSS.
So, where's the relation to animation here? I know what a sprite is, thanks. It sounds like you might want to go read the Wikipedia page, on the other hand.
In computer graphics, a sprite (also known by other names; see Synonyms below) is a two-dimensional image or animation that is integrated into a larger scene.
This dates back to the Commodore 64, that said do we really need to down vote this guy so much. He was misinformed. This doesn't mean we have to be vindictive.
I still think it is all the 20 year olds who have never programmed or used a system with hardware sprites that have no idea what they're saying, but I do appreciate the generous sentiment. Sure, if one is perceived to be wrong AND jerky and insistent about it, as I was, people tend to downvote your comment.