eye-glass

eye-glass

An elderly gentleman polishes his eye-glass with a soft cloth.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A single lens for the eye: "eye-glass" refers to a single corrective lens, typically worn on one eye to aid vision.
    • (In plural: eye-glasses): A pair of such lenses mounted in a frame, worn to correct vision. (Note: This plural form is the more common usage for vision correction.)
    • An eyepiece: A lens or optical device through which one looks, such as on a microscope or telescope.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • He wore an eye-glass on a chain to read the fine print. (A single lens for one eye.)
    • She cleaned her eye-glasses with a soft cloth. (A pair of corrective lenses in a frame.)
    • The scientist adjusted the eye-glass on the microscope. (An eyepiece on an optical instrument.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to look through an eye-glass": to use a single-lens device for magnification or vision correction.

    • The old man looked through his eye-glass to examine the coin. (He used a single lens held to one eye.)

  • "eye-glass case": a protective container for a pair of eyeglasses.

    • She put her eye-glasses safely in their leather case. (A case designed to hold eyeglasses.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Eyeglass (n): a single lens for one eye (alternative spelling without hyphen).

    • He wore an eyeglass on a ribbon. (Same meaning as "eye-glass".)

  • Eyeglasses (n, plural): a pair of corrective lenses in a frame.

    • Her new eyeglasses have blue frames. (A pair of spectacles.)
Synonyms

  • Monocle: a single lens worn in one eye, often held by the eye socket.

    • The gentleman wore a monocle for reading. (A single lens without a frame.)

  • Spectacles: a formal term for a pair of eyeglasses.

    • He put on his spectacles to see the menu. (A pair of corrective lenses.)

  • Lorgnette: a pair of eyeglasses with a handle, held to the eyes.

    • The actress used a lorgnette at the opera. (Eyeglasses on a handle.)
Related Idioms

  • To have an eye-glass (dated): to wear a single corrective lens.

    • In the 1800s, it was fashionable to have an eye-glass. (To use a monocle.)

  • To see through rose-colored glasses (not directly related but similar): to view things optimistically.

    • She sees the world through rose-colored glasses. (She is overly optimistic.)