Nictitate

To blink or wink involuntarily, rapidly, or repetitively. This action typically involves the quick closure and opening of the eyelids, serving various functions such as lubricating the eye, removing irritants, or protecting it from bright light. The frequency and intensity of nictitation can vary, sometimes occurring as a reflex, while other instances might stem from underlying medical conditions or emotional states. This often helps to refresh the eyes or block visual disturbance to facilitate sharper perception. It can sometimes indicate fatigue or eye strain.

Nictitate meaning with examples

• The harsh glare of the sun caused the child to nictitate frequently, squinting to protect her sensitive eyes as she tried to spot her ice cream truck. Her rapid blinking was an automatic, protective response to the sudden brightness, as she attempted to sharpen the image.
• He sat in the dimly lit theater, occasionally nictitating as the movie flickered and cast shadows across the screen. His intermittent blinking felt like a natural defense mechanism.
• The nervous speaker, under pressure from his audience, began to nictitate, his eyelids fluttering every few seconds. His involuntary blinking gave away his anxiety and insecurity as he stammered his opening remarks. This made his performance feel unstable.
• The doctor examined the patient, noting their nictitating reflex, testing to ensure it was functioning properly, and that the eyes were healthy. The patient's ability to nictitate was a key element in understanding their overall health.