eye: Meaning and Definition of

eye

Pronunciation: (ī), [key]
— n., pl. v., eyes, ey•en eyne eyed, ey•ing eye•ing.
—n.
  1. 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.
  2. the aggregate of structures situated within or near the orbit that assist, support, or protect the eye.
  3. this organ with respect to the color of the iris: blue eyes.
  4. the region surrounding the eye: a black eye; puffy eyes.
  5. sight; vision: a sharp eye.
  6. the power of seeing; appreciative or discriminating visual perception: the eye of an artist.
  7. a look, glance, or gaze: to cast one's eye at a beautiful necklace.
  8. an attentive look, close observation, or watch: to be under the eye of a guard.
  9. regard, view, aim, or intention: to have an eye to one's own advantage.
  10. a manner or way of looking at a thing; estimation; opinion: in the eyes of the law.
  11. a center of light, intelligence, influence, etc.
  12. something resembling or suggesting the eye in appearance, shape, etc., as the opening in the lens of a camera, a peephole, or a buttonhole.
    1. the bud of a potato, Jerusalem artichoke, etc.
    2. a small, contrastingly colored part at the center of a flower.
  13. the central spot of a target; bull's-eye.
  14. a choice center cut of meat: an eye of round; the eye of the rib.
  15. one of the round spots on the tail feathers of a peacock.
  16. the hole in a needle.
  17. a hole made in a thing for the insertion of some object, as the handle of a tool: the eye of an ax.
  18. a metal or other ring through which something, as a rope or rod, is passed.
  19. the loop into which a hook is inserted.
  20. a photoelectric cell or similar device used to perform a function analogous to visual inspection.
  21. a ring on the end of a tension member, as an eye bar or eye bolt, for connection with another member.
  22. a hole formed during the maturation of cheese, esp. Emmenthaler or Gruyère.
  23. a loop worked at the end of a rope.
  24. the approximately circular region of relatively light winds and fair weather found at the center of a severe tropical cyclone.
  25. the extreme forward part of the upper deck at the bow of a vessel.
  26. the precise direction from which a wind is blowing.
  27. repayment in kind, as revenge for an injustice.
  28. to give all one's attention to something; look intently.
  29. to draw or attract someone's attention: to catch the waiter's eye.
  30. to look fixedly at (another person), esp. with obvious admiration; ogle: She ignored the men who were giving her the eye.
  31. to have the ability to appreciate distinctions in; be discerning or perceptive about: She has an eye for antique furniture.
  32. She was always surrounded by admirers, but she had eyes only for Harry.
    1. to want no other person or thing but:She was always surrounded by admirers, but she had eyes only for Harry.
    2. to see, or view, or desire to see only. Also,only have eyes for.
  33. absolutely not; never: In a pig's eye I will!
  34. to watch over attentively: Please keep an eye on my plants while I'm away.
  35. to be vigilant in looking or watching for: The announcer told his listeners to keep an eye out for the escaped criminal.
  36. to be especially alert or observant.
  37. to catch sight of; see: They had never laid eyes on such a big car before.
  38. to gaze flirtatiously or amorously at.
  39. (a mild exclamation of contradiction or surprise): He says he wasn't told about this? My eye!
  40. 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.
  41. to select the best parts or items.
  42. to glance briefly at; examine hastily.
  43. to have exactly the same opinion; agree: They have never been able to see eye to eye on politics.
  44. to see or realize immediately or with ease: Anyone can see with half an eye that the plan is doomed to fail.
  45. to refuse to see or consider; disregard: We can no longer shut our eyes to the gravity of the situation.
  46. a welcome sight; a pleasant surprise: After our many days in the desert, the wretched village was a sight for sore eyes.
  47. with a plan or purpose of: with an eye to one's future.
  48. aware of the inherent or potential risks: She signed the papers with her eyes open.
—v.t.
  1. to fix the eyes upon; view: to eye the wonders of nature.
  2. to observe or watch narrowly: She eyed the two strangers with suspicion.
  3. to make an eye in: to eye a needle.
—v.i.
  1. to appear to the eye.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
See also:
  • eye (Thesaurus)