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Glite Dictionary
nictitation

nictitation

9.9
A quick blinking of the eyelids without thinking
  • noun
  • /ˌnɪk.tɪˈteɪ.ʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : parpadeo
  • The frequency of nictitation can vary depending on one's alertness and environment.

Examples

  • The nictitation of her eyes was almost constant during the movie.

  • Some animals exhibit a third eyelid movement known as the nictitating membrane, which is a form of nictitation.

  • Excessive nictitation may indicate eye irritation or dryness in patients.

  • His nictitations became more frequent as the dust filled the air.

  • When he was tired, his frequent nictitation made it clear that he needed a break.

  • The doctor explained that nictitation is a normal reflex that protects the eyes.

  • She noticed that his nictitation became more pronounced when he stared at the screen for too long.

Synonyms

blink
vsnictitation
70 1.0

A quick closing and opening of the eyelids

is a more technical label for that reflex action
blinking
vsnictitation
13 1.0

A quick closing and opening of the eyelids

is a more formal medical name for the reflex
eye blink
vsnictitation
2 1.0

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

is the same reflex term without focusing on purpose
eyeblink
vsnictitation
1 3.2

A very short moment like the quick closing and opening of an eyelid

is the specific medical name focused on the reflex action
nictation
vsnictitation
  • Specialized
9.9

A quick closing and opening of the eyelids

is the same action but uses a different technical term form

How Fast

nictitation
  • Specialized
9.9
blink
70 1.0

Surface Forms

nictitation singular
nictitations plural

Morphology

nictitation = nictitate (opaque) = nictitate + ion

Formed from the rare technical verb 'nictitate' plus the nominalizing suffix '-ion'; the base is not familiar to average learners, so the formation is not transparently guessable.

Etymology

The word nictitation comes from the old Latin verb nictare, meaning 'to wink' or 'to blink'. So nictitation simply means the quick, automatic closing and opening of the eyelids, like a fast 'blink' or a quick 'wink'.