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blinking

blinking

13 1.0
A quick closing and opening of the eyelids
  • noun
  • /ˈblɪŋkɪŋ/
translation icon : parpadeo
  • And so as it turns out with depression, if you measure people's brains, their blinking rate may be a little bit off.
  • eye blinking

And so as it turns out with depression, if you measure people's brains, their blinking rate may be a little bit off.

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Examples

  • I walked past a factory, housing project, and video rental stores with their blinking lights outlining the windows.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • You lay down, face up, eyes open, no blinking.

  • In the eyelids, the small muscles responsible for blinking can contract in a split second.

    Academic text (2006)
  • The eye blinking, the constant pencil sharpening.

  • There were also three computers and monitors, all working with blinking lights and ever-changing columns of figures.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • In the kitchen, she licked icing off her fingers and stared at the blinking light on the phone machine.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • We sat shrouded in life preservers and watched the far-off blinking lights on the Vermont shore.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • The doctor explained that blinking is important for maintaining eye moisture and health.

  • She noticed the constant blinking of the lights indicated a problem with the electricity.

  • After staring at the screen for too long, I took a break to focus on my blinking.

Synonyms

blink
vsblinking
70 1.0

A quick closing and opening of the eyelids

is the broader general term for the rapid eyelid movement
eye blink
vsblinking
2 1.0

A quick closing and opening of an eyelid that keeps the eye wet and protected

is the general rapid eyelid reflex not focused on protection or moistening
nictitation
vsblinking
  • Specialized
9.9

A quick blinking of the eyelids without thinking

is the common general description rather than a named act
nictation
vsblinking
  • Specialized
9.9

A quick closing and opening of the eyelids

is the general description rather than the reflex label
palpebration
vsblinking
  • Specialized
9.9

Repeated blinking of the eyes that happens without control

is the normal rapid reflex action not implying pathology or persistence

Compounds

A small northern wild plant with white flowers and edible leaves

How Often

to flutter
10 3.7
blinking
13 1.0
wink
46 1.0

Surface Forms

blinking singular
blinkings plural

Morphology

blinking = blink (transparent) = blink + ing

The noun is a straightforward action noun formed from the verb 'blink' with '-ing'.

Etymology

Blinking (the noun) is from the same idea as the verb blink — a little 'flash' or quick shut of the eyelid — and that is why a 'blinking' is the rapid, reflex close-and-open that helps keep your eyes moist.