lid

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Medicine

n. the piece of skin that covers your eye when you close it.

n. the fold of skin that can be moved to cover and protect the eyeball.

“His lids felt heavy as he tried to stay awake during the long movie.”

“The patient presented with inflammation of the upper lid, which the doctor treated with a warm compress and antibiotic ointment.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a limit or control put on something to stop it from increasing.

n. a figurative restraint or ceiling placed on an activity, price, or emotion.

“The government is trying to put a lid on rising fuel prices.”

“The central bank struggled to keep a lid on inflation as consumer spending surged unexpectedly during the holiday quarter.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal · Slang

n. a hat, cap, or a motorcycle helmet.

n. any form of headgear, specifically a cap or a protective crash helmet.

“Don't forget to grab your lid before you get on the bike.”

“He adjusted his lid and checked his mirrors before pulling the motorcycle out into the heavy morning traffic.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical

n. a natural cover on a plant or animal part.

n. an operculum or similar lid-like anatomical structure in plants or animals.

“The pitcher plant has a small lid to keep out too much rainwater.”

“The researcher observed how the operculum, or lid, protected the snail from desiccation during the low tide.”

C1 · Advanced Formal · Technical

v. to put a lid on something.

v. to provide or cover with a lid; often used in manufacturing or technical contexts.

“The machine lids the jars automatically as they move down the line.”

“The automated assembly line is designed to lid and seal over five hundred units per hour with minimal human intervention.”