Library / English Dictionary

NICTATION

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (noun) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

A reflex that closes and opens the eyes rapidly

Synonyms:

blink; blinking; eye blink; nictation; nictitation; wink; winking

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Hypernyms ("nictation" is a kind of...):

inborn reflex; innate reflex; instinctive reflex; physiological reaction; reflex; reflex action; reflex response; unconditioned reflex (an automatic instinctive unlearned reaction to a stimulus)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "nictation"):

palpebration (repeated blinking or winking (especially if uncontrolled and persistent))

Derivation:

nictate (briefly shut the eyes)

Credits