The word "eyelid" is spelled with five letters and two syllables. Its phonetic transcription is /ˈaɪ.lɪd/. The first syllable is pronounced with a long "i" sound, represented by the phoneme /aɪ/. The second syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, represented by the phoneme /ɪ/. The word refers to the thin, movable skin that covers and protects the eye. Proper spelling of this word is important for effective communication and clear understanding.
The eyelid is a noun referring to one of the two movable folds of skin that cover and protect the eye. Located on the upper and lower edges of the eye socket, the eyelids serve the vital function of shielding the delicate eyeballs from external elements such as dust, debris, and excessive light. Composed of thin layers of skin, muscles, and connective tissue, each eyelid is remarkably flexible and capable of dynamic movement. Working in tandem, the eyelids blink simultaneously, ensuring that the eye's surface is constantly moisturized by the tears secreted by the lacrimal glands. This lubrication helps in keeping the eye clean, hydrated, and free from irritants.
The upper eyelid possesses a slightly greater range of motion than the lower one, enabling it to move more freely during blinking. Additionally, the upper eyelid is home to the levator palpebrae superiors muscle, which is responsible for lifting the eyelid and exposing the cornea and iris when the eye is open. Moreover, the eyelids play a crucial role in regulating the amount of light entering the eye. By adjusting their position, the eyelids can either partially or completely cover the eye, controlling the level of illumination reaching the retina.
In summary, the eyelid is a protective fold of skin covering the eye that helps maintain vision by blocking harmful substances, providing lubrication, facilitating blinking, regulating light, and contributing to expression and communication through movements and positioning.
One of the two movable folds of skin (upper and lower eyelids), lined with conjunctiva, continuous with the integument of the face, in front of the eyeball. The free edge of each eyelid is stiffened with a framework of fibrous connective tissue, the tarsus, between which and the conjunctiva are the Meibomian glands. At the free margin of each eyelid is a row of stiff hairs, the cilia or eyelashes. The angle or junction of the eyelids at either side is called the canthus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The movable cover which opens or closes the eyeball.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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The word "eyelid" originates from the combination of two Old English words: "ēage" meaning "eye" and "hlid" meaning "lid" or "cover". The term has remained relatively unchanged in its form and meaning throughout the history of the English language.