What does cockeyedness mean?
Cockeyedness is a rare noun denoting the state of being cock-eyed, especially the condition in which one eye is turned inward and the eyes are not properly aligned. In medical terms this may be described as strabismus, although the ordinary word does not imply a particular cause or diagnosis. The related adjective cock-eyed is more readily encountered and can also refer more broadly to a squinting or distorted appearance. Cockeyedness itself normally carries a literal anatomical sense and is encountered mainly in older writing, general descriptions of vision, and specialist discussion. It is an interesting example of English's productive -ness formation, in which a compound adjective acquires a noun naming a condition or quality. Because the word is uncommon, a modern writer will usually choose strabismus, cross-eyedness, or simply a clearer description depending on the intended level of technicality.
nounThe condition of being cock-eyed, especially of having an eye turned inward so that the eyes are not properly aligned; strabismus.
- The condition of having an inward-turned or squinting eye, especially when the two eyes are not properly aligned.
"The optometrist used the term cockeyedness to explain why the child's eyes did not point in the same direction."
"The optometrist used the term cockeyedness to explain why the child's eyes did not point in the same direction."
"The medical report noted mild cockeyedness in one eye."
Usually uncountable; a plural with -es is grammatically possible but rarely needed.
"The specialist assessed the child's mild cockeyedness."
Literally, it is the state of having an eye that is cocked, or turned, rather than looking straight ahead.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does cockeyedness come from?
Cockeyedness is an English noun formed by adding -ness to cockeyed, also written cock-eyed. The compound combines cock, in the sense of tilting or turning, with eye and dates from the early modern period, referring to an inward-turned or squinting eye. The productive -ness suffix subsequently turned the adjective into a noun naming the resulting condition or quality.
Related word forms
How cockeyedness is actually used
Rare in contemporary standard English and encountered chiefly in older writing, medical description, and discussion of the related adjective cock-eyed. Strabismus is the more usual modern medical term.
Easily confused with cockeyedness
Cockeyedness concerns the alignment or turning of the eyes, whereas cocksidedness means bias, partiality, or a one-sided preference.