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

Some employees had to walk a quarter of a mile to reach a station, L&I found, and one eyewash station was behind a locked door, the department alleged.

From Seattle Times

But Smith’s thumb-pointing, both in the aftermath of the game and retrospectively throughout this week, isn’t just eyewash.

From Seattle Times

In particular, Newsom called out workplace regulations that require “providing an eyewash station if household workers use chemicals like bleach.”

From Los Angeles Times

Under this legislation, private households would be required to provide eyewash stations if workers use bleach and could face fines up to $15,000 per safety violation.

From Los Angeles Times

But getting ejected to stick up for your players is little bit of “eyewash,” particularly if it goes against your typical personality.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• baloney
• rubbish