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REFERENCE

eyed

v. · adj.
US //ˈaɪd// UK //ˈaɪd// eyed
  1. 1 looked at closely (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    looked at someone or something very carefully, often because you were suspicious or interested.

    observed someone or something with close attention, typically motivated by suspicion, curiosity, or desire.

    Example

    The security guard eyed the man in the heavy coat suspiciously.

    Example

    The detective eyed the witness throughout the interview, looking for any subtle physical cues that might suggest the statement was rehearsed.

  2. 2 having eyes (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    having eyes or markings that look like eyes.

    possessing eyes or eye-like markings; often used in biological descriptions.

    Example

    The eyed butterfly has large spots on its wings to scare away birds.

    Example

    The specimen was identified as an eyed lizard due to the distinctive ocelli decorating its flanks.

    • eyeless
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  1. 3 having a specific type of eyes (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    used with another word to describe what kind of eyes someone has.

    functions as a combining form to describe the appearance, colour, or nature of a person's eyes.

    Example

    A blue-eyed boy was sitting on the bench reading a book.

    Example

    The sharp-eyed editor caught several small typos that the automated software had completely overlooked.

    Usage

    Always used in a compound with a preceding adjective, such as 'blue-eyed' or 'sharp-eyed'.

Origin

From Middle English eyed, eied, iȝed, y-yȝed, equivalent to eye + -ed.

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