simple eye
1
7.0
- noun
- /ˈsɪmpəl aɪ/
- Specialized
:
ojo simple
- Many small marine invertebrates possess simple eyes, which allow them to react quickly to changes in their surroundings.
Examples
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During its early development, the insect relies on its simple eyes to sense the presence of light.
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The bee's simple eyes help it detect light and navigate in dim conditions.
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What I am saying is that, to my simple eyes,
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Synonyms
A small simple eye with one lens that detects light but not clear images
A simple eye with one lens that detects light on many insects and jellyfish
Antonyms
- Specialized
A camera made of many tiny lenses to give a wide view and detect motion
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'an eye with a single lens' is directly derivable from combining 'simple' (single/undivided) with 'eye' (a vision organ). Although it is a technical biological term contrasted with 'compound eye', the compositional logic is straightforward and cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents can infer the sense.
Etymology
Simple eye comes from the idea of a very basic eye: simple means one and eye means the part that sees. It refers to an insect or spider eye that uses a 'single lens' rather than many tiny lenses, so the name helps you remember it means an eye with one lens.