nictitating membrane
noun
a thin membrane, or inner or third eyelid, present in many animals, capable of being drawn across the eyeball, as for protection.
Origin of nictitating membrane
1705–15;
nictate +
-ing2
Words nearby nictitating membrane
nicotinize,
nicoya,
nicoya peninsula,
nictheroy,
nictitate,
nictitating membrane,
nictitation,
nicu,
nid-nod,
nida,
nidal
British Dictionary definitions for nictitating membrane
nictitating membrane
/ (ˈnɪktɪˌteɪtɪŋ) /
noun
(in reptiles, birds, and some mammals) a thin fold of skin beneath the eyelid that can be drawn across the eye
Also called: third eyelid, haw
Scientific definitions for nictitating membrane
nictitating membrane
[ nĭk′tĭ-tā′tĭng ]
A transparent inner eyelid in birds, reptiles, amphibians, and some mammals that protects and moistens the eye without blocking vision.