verb
- to blink or wink; to close and open the eyes rapidly
Usage: formal or technical; often used in zoology to describe the action of a nictitating membrane
Examples
- The bird nictitates its protective eye membrane across its cornea.
- She nictitates nervously during the tense conversation.
- Reptiles often nictitate to keep their eyes moist and protected.
- He nictitates rapidly when exposed to bright light.
- The cat nictitates as it adjusts to the darkness of the room.