eye
Pronunciation: (ī), [key]
— n., pl. v., eyes, ey•en eyne eyed, ey•ing eye•ing.
—n.
- the organ of sight, in vertebrates typically one of a pair of spherical bodies contained in an orbit of the skull and in humans appearing externally as a dense, white, curved membrane, or sclera, surrounding a circular, colored portion, or iris, that is covered by a clear, curved membrane, or cornea, and in the center of which is an opening, or pupil, through which light passes to the retina.
- the aggregate of structures situated within or near the orbit that assist, support, or protect the eye.
- this organ with respect to the color of the iris: blue eyes.
- the region surrounding the eye: a black eye; puffy eyes.
- sight; vision: a sharp eye.
- the power of seeing; appreciative or discriminating visual perception: the eye of an artist.
- a look, glance, or gaze: to cast one's eye at a beautiful necklace.
- an attentive look, close observation, or watch: to be under the eye of a guard.
- regard, view, aim, or intention: to have an eye to one's own advantage.
- a manner or way of looking at a thing; estimation; opinion: in the eyes of the law.
- a center of light, intelligence, influence, etc.
- something resembling or suggesting the eye in appearance, shape, etc., as the opening in the lens of a camera, a peephole, or a buttonhole.
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- the bud of a potato, Jerusalem artichoke, etc.
- a small, contrastingly colored part at the center of a flower.
- the central spot of a target; bull's-eye.
- a choice center cut of meat: an eye of round; the eye of the rib.
- one of the round spots on the tail feathers of a peacock.
- the hole in a needle.
- a hole made in a thing for the insertion of some object, as the handle of a tool: the eye of an ax.
- a metal or other ring through which something, as a rope or rod, is passed.
- the loop into which a hook is inserted.
- a photoelectric cell or similar device used to perform a function analogous to visual inspection.
- a ring on the end of a tension member, as an eye bar or eye bolt, for connection with another member.
- a hole formed during the maturation of cheese, esp. Emmenthaler or Gruyère.
- a loop worked at the end of a rope.
- the approximately circular region of relatively light winds and fair weather found at the center of a severe tropical cyclone.
- the extreme forward part of the upper deck at the bow of a vessel.
- the precise direction from which a wind is blowing.
- repayment in kind, as revenge for an injustice.
- to give all one's attention to something; look intently.
- to draw or attract someone's attention: to catch the waiter's eye.
- to look fixedly at (another person), esp. with obvious admiration; ogle: She ignored the men who were giving her the eye.
- to have the ability to appreciate distinctions in; be discerning or perceptive about: She has an eye for antique furniture.
- She was always surrounded by admirers, but she had eyes only for Harry.
- to want no other person or thing but:She was always surrounded by admirers, but she had eyes only for Harry.
- to see, or view, or desire to see only. Also,only have eyes for.
- absolutely not; never: In a pig's eye I will!
- to watch over attentively: Please keep an eye on my plants while I'm away.
- to be vigilant in looking or watching for: The announcer told his listeners to keep an eye out for the escaped criminal.
- to be especially alert or observant.
- to catch sight of; see: They had never laid eyes on such a big car before.
- to gaze flirtatiously or amorously at.
- (a mild exclamation of contradiction or surprise): He says he wasn't told about this? My eye!
- to bring someone to a realization of the truth or of something previously unknown: A trip through Asia opened his eyes to the conditions under which millions had to live.
- to select the best parts or items.
- to glance briefly at; examine hastily.
- to have exactly the same opinion; agree: They have never been able to see eye to eye on politics.
- to see or realize immediately or with ease: Anyone can see with half an eye that the plan is doomed to fail.
- to refuse to see or consider; disregard: We can no longer shut our eyes to the gravity of the situation.
- a welcome sight; a pleasant surprise: After our many days in the desert, the wretched village was a sight for sore eyes.
- with a plan or purpose of: with an eye to one's future.
- aware of the inherent or potential risks: She signed the papers with her eyes open.
—v.t.
- to fix the eyes upon; view: to eye the wonders of nature.
- to observe or watch narrowly: She eyed the two strangers with suspicion.
- to make an eye in: to eye a needle.
—v.i.
- to appear to the eye.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.