Eyelid Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
👁️
eyelid
[ˈaɪ.lɪd ]
Definition
anatomy terms
An eyelid is a thin fold of skin that covers and protects the eye. Each human has an upper and lower eyelid that can open and close to help keep the eye moist and free from debris. Eyelids play a crucial role in vision by providing a protective barrier and by helping to spread tears over the eye surface. They also contain muscles that allow them to move, thus facilitating blinking and expressive facial gestures.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She blinked as a tear rolled down her eyelid.
- The dog has a condition affecting its eyelid.
- He gently touched his eyelid to wipe away the makeup.
- The doctor examined the patient's eyelid for abnormalities.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Anatomy
- Eyelids are made of skin, muscle, and a special layer called conjunctiva that helps keep the eye moist.
- The upper eyelid moves more than the lower one because it has more muscle, allowing you to blink and close your eye.
- Blinking is a natural reflex of the eyelid, which helps to keep the eye clean by removing small particles.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, the eyes represent the window to the soul, and eyelids play a role in expressions of emotion, such as surprise or sleepiness.
- In some Asian cultures, the shape of the eyelid is an important aspect of beauty standards and cosmetic practices.
- Eyelid tattoos and makeup techniques have emerged in beauty trends, emphasizing their role in enhancing eye appearance.
Common Conditions
- Conditions like blepharitis, which is an inflammation of the eyelids, can cause discomfort and require treatment.
- Eyelid surgery, known as blepharoplasty, is performed to remove excess skin and fat, often for cosmetic reasons or to improve vision.
- Ptosis is a condition where the eyelid droops, which may affect vision and sometimes requires medical intervention.
Fun Facts
- On average, a person blinks around 15-20 times per minute, which helps to keep the surface of the eye moist.
- Eyelids have some of the fastest muscles in the body, allowing for rapid blinking to protect the eyes from irritants.
- The eyelashes on the eyelids serve as sensors to trigger the blink reflex when something approaches the eye.
Evolutionary Perspective
- Eyelids are believed to have evolved as a protective mechanism for the eyes of early vertebrates, offering a barrier against dust and debris.
- Some animals, like certain reptiles, have a transparent third eyelid, which helps protect their eyes while still allowing visibility.
- The development of eyelids reflects the needs of different species in their environments, greatly influencing survival.
Origin of 'eyelid'
The word 'eyelid' originates from the Old English 'ēa' meaning 'eye' and 'līd' meaning 'fold' or 'skin'. This reflects the compound nature of the word, where it denotes a protective covering associated specifically with the eye. The term has been used since the early 15th century. In historical texts, eyelids were often described in relation to their functions, such as blinking and protecting the eyes from external dangers. Over time, the study of eyelids expanded into various fields including medicine, anatomy, and even cosmetic practices, highlighting their importance not only in physiology but also in aesthetics.