The word "brow" is spelled with the letters b-r-o-w in English. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /braʊ/. The "b" is pronounced with the lips close together, vibrating the vocal cords to produce sound. The "r" is pronounced with a slight constriction in the back of the mouth. The "ow" is pronounced with the lips rounded, using both the tongue and the vocal cords to produce sound. This word refers to the ridge above the eyes that has hair growing on it.
Brow is a noun that primarily refers to the area of the forehead between the eyes and the hairline. It is the region on the face above the eyes, encompassing the arches where eyebrows are located. The brow plays a significant role in facial expressions and nonverbal communication, including portraying emotions such as surprise, concern, or anger. It is often associated with raising and lowering of the eyebrows to convey these emotions or to express skepticism, confusion, or inquiry. The brow can also be used to signify recognition or acknowledgement.
Beyond its anatomical reference, "brow" can also be used in a metaphorical sense to describe the highest point or peak of something. For instance, the summit or highest point of a hill or a mountain may be referred to as its brow. In this context, it denotes the pinnacle or the uppermost part of an object or surface. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a person's aspect or demeanor, indicating a serious, intense, or thoughtful expression seen in their countenance.
In summary, brow represents the area of the forehead above the eyes, encompassing the arches where eyebrows are situated. These arches play a vital role in expressing emotions and nonverbal communication. Moreover, it can be used metaphorically to describe the highest point of an object or a person's serious or pensive aspect.
1. The superciliary ridge. 2. The eyebrow. 3. The forehead.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The ridge over the eye; the forehead; the edge or brink of a steep place, as of a river or hill.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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The word "brow" has its origins in Old English as "brū" or "brǣw", which referred to the ridge or edge above the eye. It is believed to be derived from Proto-Germanic "brǣwō" or "brūwǭ". This ancient Germanic root can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European "bʰruH" or "bʰreuH", meaning "eyebrow" or "eyelash". The term "brow" has since evolved to refer to both the desired arch of hair above the eye and the forehead area in general.