Eyebrow

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈaɪˌbɹaʊ/

Definitions

1. The area of hair situated above the eyes that serves to enhance facial expressions and shield the eyes from moisture
2. A distinct line of hair found above the eyes, which not only frames the face but also plays a role in expression and moisture protection for the eyes
3. A line of short hairs growing above the eye that helps express emotions and protects the eye from sweat

Etymology: The most surprising fact about "eyebrow" is that its Old English ancestor meant "eyelid." The Old English form "ēagbrǣw" (also recorded as "ēaganbrū") literally combined "eye" and "brow," with "brow" in its older sense of the upper edge or ridge of something, and it was the lid that was called that. Dutch "oogbrauw" still carries the older sense, covering eyelid, eyelash and eyebrow alike. Over time the meaning narrowed to the hair above the eye, while the lid was left to other words. Middle English shaped the form into "eȝebreu," which gradually settled into the modern spelling. German "Augenbraue" follows the same pattern, joining "Auge" (eye) and "Braue" (brow).

Synonyms: brow, arch, forehead ridge, facial hair, eyelid fringe