Eyebrows
/ˈaɪ.braʊz/noun
The strip of hair that grows above the eye on a person's face.
Did you know?In ancient times, eyebrows were believed to protect the eyes from evil spirits, acting as a mystical barrier in many cultures.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bhrū
“To grow, to sprout, often referring to hair or plants.”
Old English
Old English
ūgebrow
“Eye brow, literally meaning 'the hair above the eye'.”
Old High German
Old High German
ūgabruo
“Eyebrow, similar construction referring to eye hair.”
Middle English
Middle English
eybrowe
“Form of the word combining 'eye' and 'brow'.”
Modern English
English
eyebrows
“The current form referring to the hair above the eyes, retaining its protective connotation.”