eyewash

[ ahy-wosh, ahy-wawsh ]

noun

1. Also called collyrium. Pharmacology. a solution applied locally to the eye for irrigation or administering medication.
2. Informal. nonsense; bunk.

eyewash

/ ˈaɪˌwɒʃ /

noun

1. a mild solution for applying to the eyes for relief of irritation, etc
2. informal.
   nonsense; rubbish

Word History and Origins

Origin of eyewash¹

First recorded in 1865–70; eye + wash

Example Sentences

All the high-sounding arguments for a moral world and all the laws on the books implementing those arguments are just eyewash.

From Project Gutenberg

The eye is then covered with a cloth, kept wet with an eyewash, as for external ophthalmia.

From Project Gutenberg

The ordinary eyewash may be used for this purpose, or it may be injected after dilution to half its strength.

From Project Gutenberg

The leaves and flowers are also used as expectorants, and the juice of the fruit and leaves is used as an eyewash.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• baloney
• rubbish