cherry eye: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareTechnical/Veterinary
Quick answer
What does “cherry eye” mean?
A veterinary condition in dogs (and occasionally other animals) where the gland of the third eyelid prolapses, becoming visible as a red, swollen mass in the corner of the eye.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A veterinary condition in dogs (and occasionally other animals) where the gland of the third eyelid prolapses, becoming visible as a red, swollen mass in the corner of the eye.
The term is used exclusively in veterinary medicine and pet care contexts to describe this specific anatomical disorder. It is never used in human medicine; the human equivalent is called "prolapse of the gland of the nictitating membrane."
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling conventions follow the regional norm for other text (e.g., 'specialised' vs. 'specialized' in surrounding context).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and technical in both British and American English, limited to veterinary circles and dog owners/breeders.
Grammar
How to Use “cherry eye” in a Sentence
[Subject: Dog/Breed] + has/developed + cherry eye[Subject: Vet] + diagnosed/treated/repaired + cherry eyeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cherry eye” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Bulldog has cherried eye.
- The puppy's eye cherried overnight.
American English
- The Bulldog has cherry-eyed.
- The puppy's eye cherry-eyed suddenly.
adverb
British English
- Not used.
American English
- Not used.
adjective
British English
- A cherry-eyed Cocker Spaniel
- The cherry-eye condition
American English
- A cherry-eyed Boston Terrier
- The cherry-eye problem
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in veterinary science journals and textbooks.
Everyday
Used by dog breeders, owners, and in pet care forums.
Technical
The primary context; used by veterinarians, vet nurses, and in clinical documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cherry eye”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cherry eye”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cherry eye”
- Using it to describe a human eye condition.
- Spelling as 'chery eye'.
- Thinking it refers to a red eye from infection or allergy.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is often not directly painful, but it can cause dryness, irritation, and lead to secondary infections if left untreated.
Very rarely. Once the gland has prolapsed, veterinary intervention, usually surgical, is typically required to correct it.
Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, as well as Cocker Spaniels and Beagles, are commonly affected.
Modern veterinary practice strongly favours surgical repositioning (tacking the gland back in place) over removal, as the gland produces a significant portion of the eye's tear film.
A veterinary condition in dogs (and occasionally other animals) where the gland of the third eyelid prolapses, becoming visible as a red, swollen mass in the corner of the eye.
Cherry eye is usually technical/veterinary in register.
Cherry eye: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɛri ˌaɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɛri ˌaɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a technical term, not used idiomatically.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a small, red CHERRY popping out in the corner of a dog's EYE.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE AFFECTED GLAND IS A CHERRY (based on visual shape and colour).
Practice
Quiz
'Cherry eye' is a condition specifically affecting which part of a dog's anatomy?