eyewash
/ˈaɪ̯.wɑʃ/
Word Rarity
Very rare
Frequency: 1.73 in modern English
16
Scrabble Score
7
Letters
2
Syllables
6
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
The washing out of the eyes with copious solution (usually water alone) to quickly remove an irritant, as for example in laboratories and industrial plants; the washing solution itself.
Countable; Uncountable
noun
Something deceptive and superficially pleasing but without accurate or genuine substance: camouflage; disguise; false front; pretense; nonsense.
Slang; Uncountable
verb
To keep information secret by sending false information to many people in one's own organization, and correct information to a select few.
Example Sentences
- "an eyewash station on every floor of the building"
- "a bottle of eyewash"
- "Near-synonyms: hogwash, whitewash, window dressing"
- "They argued over the menu. The fish was described as being 'Made From Flaky Tender Boneless Filets and the chicken as 'Delicious French Fried to a Golden Brown, Served Disjointed'. 'Eyewash,' said Bond, and they finally ordered scrambled eggs and bacon and sausages, a salad, and some of the domestic Camembert that is one of the most welcome surprises on American menus."
- "Talking of being eaten by dogs, there's a dachshund at Brinkley who when you first meet him will give you the impression that he plans to convert you into a light snack between his regular meals. Pay no attention. It's all eyewash. […] He wouldn't hurt a fly, but he has to put up a front because his name's Poppet. One can readily appreciate that when a dog hears himself addressed day in and day out as Poppet, he feels he must throw his weight about. His self-respect demands it."
- "It is a reassuring patriotic myth; in short, for the historian, eyewash."
Etymology
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈaɪ̯.wɑʃ/
- British English: /ˈaɪ̯.wɒʃ/
Usage
Inflected Forms
eyewashes (plural)
eye wash (alternative)
eye-wash (alternative)
eyewashes (present, singular)
eyewashing (participle, present)
eyewashed (participle, past)
eyewashed (past)