Used to suggest sadness or illness, often evoking sympathy or concern. Looking into her rheumy eyes, I could tell she was unwell.
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Not Always Literal
'Rheumy' can describe eyes that appear watery, not necessarily due to actual mucus. Despite the bright sunshine, his rheumy eyes seemed to miss the beauty around him.
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Metaphoric Usage
Sometimes used metaphorically to describe something old, decrepit, or neglected. The rheumy windows of the abandoned house gave it a haunted look.