eyelid (I-lid) n. the protective covering of the eye. Each eye has two eyelids consisting of skin, muscle, connective tissue (tarsus), and sebaceous glands (meibomian or tarsal glands). Each eyelid is lined with membrane (see conjunctiva) and fringed with eyelashes. Anatomical names: blepharon, palpebra.

eye·lid / ˈīˌlid/ • n. each of the upper and lower folds of skin that cover the eye when closed.