the naked eye
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical, Legal, Encyclopedia.
the naked eye
Normal vision that has not been enhanced or augmented in any way. Because bacteria are invisible to the naked eye, it was only relatively recently in human history that we even became aware of their existence. The fine print is so tiny, you can barely make it out with the naked eye.
*naked eye
the human eye, unassisted by optics, such as a telescope, microscope, or spectacles. (*Typically: appear to ~; look to ~; see with ~; visible to~.) I can't see the bird's markings with the naked eye. The scientist could see nothing in the liquid with the naked eye, but with the aid of a microscope, she identified the bacteria. That's how it appears to the naked eye.
with the naked eye
with eyes that are not aided by telescopes, microscopes, or binoculars. The moon is quite visible with the naked eye. Bacteria are too small to be seen with the naked eye.
naked eye
Sight unassisted by an instrument such as a microscope or telescope. For example, These insects are too small to be seen with the naked eye. This expression was first recorded in 1664.
the naked eye
COMMON If something can be seen with the naked eye, you can see it without the help of equipment such as a telescope or microscope. These green insects, just visible to the naked eye, are generally found on the under side of the leaves. Enough light gets through space for us to see thousands of stars with the naked eye.