nictitant

[nik-ti-tuh nt]

nictitant Definition

• 1. winking or blinking
• 2. drowsy or sleepy

Using nictitant: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "nictitant" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The nictitant eyes of the cat made it look sleepy.

• Example

  She was so nictitant that she could barely keep her eyes open.

nictitant Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for nictitant

• blinking
• winking
• drowsy
• sleepy

Phrases with nictitant

• nictitant membrane

  a thin, transparent third eyelid found in some animals that moves horizontally across the eye to protect and moisten it

  Example

  The nictitant membrane of the crocodile is used to protect its eyes while swimming.

• nictitant reflex

  an involuntary blinking or winking of the eye in response to a stimulus

  Example

  The doctor tested her nictitant reflex by shining a bright light into her eyes.

Origins of nictitant

from Latin 'nictitans', present participle of 'nictare', meaning 'to wink'

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Summary: nictitant in Brief

The term 'nictitant' [nik-ti-tuh nt] refers to winking or blinking, as well as drowsiness or sleepiness. It can be used to describe the eyes of animals or people, as in 'The nictitant eyes of the cat made it look sleepy.' 'Nictitant' also extends into phrases like 'nictitant membrane,' which refers to a thin, transparent third eyelid found in some animals, and 'nictitant reflex,' which describes an involuntary blinking or winking of the eye in response to a stimulus.