Eye
|eye|
/aɪ/
(eye)
organ of sight
Etymology
'eye' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'ēage', which came from Proto-Germanic '*augōn' meaning 'eye'.
'eye' developed from Proto-Germanic '*augōn' into Old English 'ēage' and eventually became the modern English word 'eye'.
Initially it referred specifically to the physical organ of sight; over time its use expanded metaphorically to mean centers (e.g., 'eye of a storm'), small openings (e.g., 'eye of a needle'), and other derived senses.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the organ of sight; the part of the body that detects light and enables vision.
The doctor examined the patient's eye.
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Noun 2
a small hole or loop, especially the hole in a needle through which thread is passed (the 'eye' of a needle).
Thread the string through the eye of the needle.
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Noun 3
the central or calm area of something, especially the center of a storm (the 'eye' of a hurricane).
The plane flew through the hurricane's eye where the winds were calm.
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Noun 4
a small bud or growth on a potato from which a new plant can grow (a 'potato eye').
Remove the eyes from the potato before cooking.
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Verb 1
to look at or watch closely or with interest; to regard attentively.
She eyeed the stranger suspiciously.
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Verb 2
to desire or covet something; to consider for oneself (often used with an object: to eye a prize/promotion).
He's been eyeing the promotion for months.
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Last updated: 2025/09/24 18:15