I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
( plural bird's-eyes )
1. : any of numerous plants with bright-colored flowers: as
a. : a primrose ( Primula farinosa ) having a pale lilac flower with a yellow eye
b. Britain
(1) : germander speedwell
(2) : pheasant's-eye
(3) : bird's-foot trefoil
(4) : herb robert
2.
a. : an allover geometric pattern for textiles consisting of a small diamond with a center dot resembling a bird's eye
b. : a fabric especially of cotton, linen, or worsted woven with this pattern
3. : a small spot with the wood fibers arranged around it in the form of an ellipse in some lumber
4. : a spot on coated paper caused by a particle of grease in the coating mixture
II. adjective
1.
a. : seen from above as if by a flying bird : panoramic
a bird's-eye view
b. : general , cursory , superficial
a bird's-eye survey of American politics
2. : marked with spots resembling birds' eyes
bird's-eye diaper
a bird's-eye scarf
3.
[ bird's-eye (maple) ]
: made of bird's-eye maple
a bird's-eye chest
bird's-eye veneer