Eyewash Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

👁️
Add to dictionary

eyewash

[ˈaɪˌwɔʃ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical use

An eyewash is a sterile solution used to rinse or clean the eyes in case of irritation, contamination, or injury. It is commonly used in medical settings, as well as in laboratories, to provide immediate relief from chemical exposure or foreign particles in the eye. Eyewash stations are often required in workplaces where hazardous materials are handled to ensure that assistance is readily available in such situations.

Synonyms

eye rinse, eye solution, ocular wash.

Examples of usage

  • He used eyewash after getting dust in his eyes.
  • The laboratory is equipped with an eyewash station.
  • Doctors recommend eyewash for chemical burns on the eye.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Health and Safety

  • Eyewash stations are critical in workplaces where harmful substances are present to quickly rinse chemicals from the eyes.
  • OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) mandates eyewash stations in certain workplaces to ensure worker safety.

Cultural References

  • In literature, 'eyewash' can symbolize superficial or deceptive appearances, as in 'eyewash arguments' that provide no substance.
  • The phrase 'you can't see the forest for the trees' can relate to the notion of needing to cleanse one's perspective, paralleling the function of eyewash.

Science

  • AI technology is being developed to aid in real-time eye diagnostics, which can potentially lead to futuristic 'eyewash' systems that analyze eye conditions.
  • Studies show that rinsing the eyes immediately after exposure to irritants can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury.

Art

  • Artists have depicted scenes of washing and cleansing, often symbolizing new beginnings or clarity of vision through the metaphor of washing the eyes.
  • The concept of cleansing in art is sometimes related to themes of perception, where gaining clarity is akin to using eyewash.

Origin of 'eyewash'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'eyewash' combines 'eye,' referring to the organ of sight, and 'wash,' meaning to cleanse.
  • The word has been used since the early 17th century in English literature, highlighting its long-standing importance in eye care.

The term 'eyewash' originates from the combination of 'eye' and 'wash,' referring specifically to washing the eye. The use of eyewash dates back to ancient times, where various cultures employed natural substances, such as saline solutions or herbal infusions, for washing and soothing irritated eyes. As medical knowledge advanced, the formulation of eyewash solutions became more standardized, focusing on safety and efficacy. With the increased industrialization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the need for eyewash stations in workplaces became apparent, leading to regulations that mandated their presence in environments where eye hazards were prevalent. This evolution highlighted the importance of immediate response to eye injuries and the protection of vision, solidifying the place of eyewash in modern medical and safety protocols.