Definition

1. Verb:
   • To briefly and involuntarily shut and open the eyes; to blink.

Usage

• The verb "nictitate" is a formal or technical term for the reflexive action of blinking. It is used to describe the rapid closing and opening of the eyelids, typically to moisten the eye or in response to a stimulus. It is less common in everyday speech than "blink."

Examples

• Verb:
  • Dust in the air caused her to nictitate rapidly.
  • The bright flash of light made everyone nictitate.
  • Observing how often a person nictitates can be part of a medical examination.

Advanced Usage

• "to nictitate at": To blink in reaction to something.
  • He nictitated at the sudden movement.
• The action is often described as involuntary and rapid, occurring in a fraction of a second.

Variants and Related Words

• Nictitation (n): The act or process of blinking.
  • Excessive nictitation can be a symptom of an eye condition.
• Nictate (v): A less common variant with the same meaning as "nictitate."
• Blink (v): The common, everyday synonym for "nictitate."

Synonyms

• Blink: To shut and open the eyes quickly.
• Wink: To close and open one eye quickly, typically as a signal. (Note: "Wink" is usually voluntary and communicative, unlike the more reflexive "nictitate.")

Antonyms

• Stare: To look fixedly or vacantly at someone or something with one's eyes wide open.
• Gaze: To look steadily and intently, especially in admiration, surprise, or thought.

Verb

1. briefly shut the eyes
   • The TV announcer never seems to blink