eye

eye / ī/ • n. 1. each of a pair of globular organs in the head through which people and vertebrate animals see, the visible part typically appearing almond-shaped in animals with eyelids. ∎  the corresponding visual or light-detecting organ of many invertebrate animals. ∎  used to refer to someone's power of vision and in descriptions of the manner or direction of someone's gaze: his sharp eyes had missed nothing. ∎  used to refer to someone's opinion or attitude toward something: in the eyes of his younger colleagues, Mr. Arnett was an eccentric. 2. a thing resembling an eye in appearance, shape, or relative position, in particular: ∎  the small hole in a needle through which the thread is passed. ∎  Naut. a loop at the end of a rope, esp. one at the top end of a shroud or stay. ∎  a rounded eyelike marking on an animal, such as those on the tail of a peacock; an eyespot. ∎  a round, dark spot on a potato from which a new shoot can grow. ∎  a center cut of meat: eye of round. ∎  the center of a flower, esp. when distinctively colored. ∎  the calm region at the center of a storm or hurricane. • v. (eye·ing or ey·ing) [tr.] look at or watch closely or with interest: Rose eyed him warily. PHRASES: all eyes used to convey that a particular person or thing is currently the focus of public interest or attention: all eyes are on the hot spots of eastern Europe. be all eyes be watching eagerly and attentively. close (or shut) one's eyes to refuse to notice or acknowledge something unwelcome or unpleasant: he couldn't close his eyes to the truth—he had cancer. give someone the eye inf. look at someone in a way that clearly indicates one's sexual interest in them: this blonde was giving me the eye. have (or keep) one's eye on keep under careful observation. ∎  hope or plan to acquire: the county sheriff has his eye on retirement. have (or with) an eye to have (or having) as one's objective: with an eye to transatlantic business, he made a deal in New York. ∎  consider (or be considering) prudently; look (or be looking) ahead to: the charity must have an eye to the future. (only) have eyes for be (exclusively) interested in or attracted to: he has eyes for no one but you. keep an eye (or a sharp eye) on keep under careful observation: dealers are keeping an eye on the currency markets. keep one's eyes open be on the alert; watch carefully or vigilantly for something: visitors should keep their eyes peeled for lions. lay (or set or clap) eyes on inf. see: Harry has not laid eyes on Alice for twenty years. make eyes at someone look at someone in a way that indicates one's sexual interest. open someone's eyes enlighten someone about certain realities; cause someone to realize or discover something: the letter finally opened my eyes to the truth. see eye to eye have similar views or attitudes to something; be in full agreement: Mr. Trumble and I do not always see eye to eye. with one eye on giving some but not all one's attention to: I sat with one eye on the clock, waiting for my turn.DERIVATIVES: eyed / īd/ adj. [in comb.] a brown-eyed girl. eye·less adj.