What does nictitating mean?
Nictitating describes blinking or winking, particularly the rapid, repeated movement of the eyelids. It is most often encountered in the established technical expression “nictitating membrane,” which names a thin, movable third eyelid present in many birds, reptiles, and some mammals. The membrane can be drawn across the eye to protect it from dust, debris, moisture, or intense light. As a verb, nictitating means to blink or wink, usually in a repeated or conspicuous manner. Although anatomically precise, the word is uncommon in general conversation and has a distinctly scientific or veterinary register. Its association with the third eyelid makes it especially memorable: instead of simply closing the eye as a person does, many animals sweep another protective layer across it.
Blinking or winking, especially rapidly and repeatedly; relating to such blinking.
"The reptile drew its nictitating membrane across its eye."
Chiefly technical and especially common in the expression “nictitating membrane.”
To blink or wink, especially rapidly and repeatedly.
"The gecko nictitated as fine sand drifted across its eye."
Used mainly in technical zoological and veterinary contexts.
A nictitating membrane works like a built-in windshield wiper for the eye.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nictitating come from?
The word comes from Latin nictitare, “to wink” or “to blink repeatedly,” which was derived from nictare, “to wink.” The English form dates from the early 17th century. Related words include nictitation, the act or process of nictitating, and nictator, a noun denoting a nictitating animal or structure.
Related word forms
How nictitating is actually used
This is chiefly a technical term in biology, veterinary medicine, ophthalmology, and zoology. It is uncommon in ordinary speech, where “blinking” or “winking” is normally preferred.