NICTITATION

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does nictitation mean? 

• NICTITATION (noun)
  The noun NICTITATION has 1 sense:

1. a reflex that closes and opens the eyes rapidly

  Familiarity information: NICTITATION used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• NICTITATION (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A reflex that closes and opens the eyes rapidly

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

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

Hypernyms ("nictitation" 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 "nictitation"):

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

Derivation:

nictitate (briefly shut the eyes)