eye-shade
Definition
Noun:
- A device worn over the eyes to shield them from bright light, typically consisting of a curved piece of opaque material (such as plastic or fabric) attached to a band that goes around the head.
- Also refers to a lampshade that directs light away from the eyes.
Usage Examples
- (A protective covering for the eyes.)
- (A lampshade that shields the eyes.)
Advanced Usage
- "banker's eye-shade": A specific type of eye-shade historically worn by accountants and clerks in the 19th and early 20th centuries to reduce eye strain under gas or electric lighting.
- In old photographs, you can see bankers wearing a green eye-shade while counting money. (A professional accessory for visual comfort.)
Variants and Related Words
- Eyeshade (n): a variant spelling of "eye-shade," often used interchangeably.
- The athlete used an eyeshade to block sunlight during the outdoor match. (A shield for the eyes.)
- Shade (n): a general term for something that blocks or reduces light.
- The tree provided welcome shade on a hot day. (An area sheltered from direct sunlight.)
Synonyms
- Visor: a piece of material worn on the head to shade the eyes.
- He wore a baseball visor to keep the sun out of his eyes. (A headwear accessory for shading.)
- Blinder: a device that blocks light, especially for horses (also called a "blinker").
- The horse wore blinders to prevent distraction. (A light-blocking device.)
Related Idioms
- "under the shade": in a position sheltered from direct light.
- They sat under the shade of a large umbrella. (Protected from the sun.)
- "throw shade": an informal idiom meaning to insult or criticize subtly (unrelated to the literal meaning).
- She threw shade at her rival during the interview. (Made a veiled insult.)