What is the term for a comparison between two unlike things using "like" or "as"?

A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two distinct things using "like" or "as" to create a vivid image or enhance understanding. For example, "He's as strong as an ox" compares a person's strength to that of an ox. Similes are commonly used to make writing more descriptive and engaging. They can also help readers make connections between unfamiliar concepts by relating them to something more familiar. Similes are a powerful tool in the writer's arsenal for adding depth and color to their work.