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

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
[ nĭktĭ-tā′tĭng ]

A transparent inner eyelid in birds, reptiles, amphibians, and some mammals that protects and moistens the eye without blocking vision.