nictitating
Third eyelid action
Nictitating describes the action of a nictitating membrane—a translucent third eyelid that sweeps horizontally across the eye.
Birds, reptiles, sharks, and some mammals have nictitating membranes that protect and moisten the eye while allowing partial vision: The owl's nictitating membrane flickered as it watched the mouse.
Cartilaginous marine predator
Movable ocular covering
- corneaEye's clear outer dome
- conjunctivaMucous membrane lining eyelids
- lacrimalOf tear production
- orbitCurved celestial path
ocular · optic · retina · lens · iris · pupil · sclera · eyeball
Rapid light movement
- sweepBrush clean with broom
- flickBrief, sharp motion
- rapidMoving with haste
- involuntaryNot under conscious control
reflex · horizontal · wink · twitch
Equine left-turn command
- semitransparentAllowing partial light passage
- translucentPermitting diffused light passage
- see-throughAllowing vision through
- diaphanousDelicately translucent
Small amounts of liquid
- lubricationCoating to reduce friction
- swimmingLocomotion through water
- huntingPursuing wild game
- burrowingDigging to create shelter
shark
Cartilaginous marine predator
- birdFeathered flying vertebrate
- reptileCold-blooded scaled vertebrate
- amphibianDual-habitat cold-blooded vertebrate
crocodile · alligator · camel · cat · seal · owl · eagle · hawk · frog · snake
eyelid
Movable ocular covering
- corneaEye's clear outer dome
- conjunctivaMucous membrane lining eyelids
- lacrimalOf tear production
orbit · ocular · optic · retina · lens · iris · pupil · sclera · eyeball · vestigial
flutter
Rapid light movement
involuntary · reflex · horizontal · wink · twitch
haw
Equine left-turn command
- semitransparentAllowing partial light passage
- translucentPermitting diffused light passage
- see-throughAllowing vision through
diaphanous · pellucid · filmy · gossamer · sheer
moisture
Small amounts of liquid
- lubricationCoating to reduce friction
- swimmingLocomotion through water
- huntingPursuing wild game
nictitatingstaring
Gazing without break
gazing · wide-eyed · open-eyed · unblinking · eyes wide open
- nictitating membraneTransparent inner eyelid