electric eye

noun

1. photocell.
2. electron-ray tube.

electric eye

noun

1. See photocell
   another name for photocell

Word History and Origins

Origin of electric eye¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Chortling with glee, Charon tottered back to his station and put one hand across the beam of a photo-electric eye.

From Project Gutenberg

So, when I pass before a light in the wall that plays on one electric eye, it causes the door to open.

From Project Gutenberg

A mechanism containing an electric eye changes those light impulses back into sound impulses.

From Project Gutenberg

Stonecypher moved his permit in ineffectual passes before the electric eye.

From Project Gutenberg

I heard father say they were going to have an electric eye, that could see through walls and things.

From Project Gutenberg