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DictionaryeyeSmall opening
noun

eye

A small opening through which something can pass.

She guides the thread through the eye of the needle.

Etymology
eyeOld Englisheye

The name of the organ of sight was transferred to small openings resembling it in shape or position. A needle’s eye is one familiar example of this comparison.

More examples

  • The rope passed through a metal eye.
  • He struggled to find the needle's tiny eye.
  • The hook fastened into a stitched eye.

Forms

eye · eyes

Similar words

opening
Broader; does not suggest a small, rounded hole.
aperture
A more technical term for an opening.