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.
Nearby words
nicotinize, nicoya, nicoya peninsula, nictheroy, nictitate, nictitating membrane, nictitation, nicu, nid-nod, nida, nidal
Origin of nictitating membrane
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
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 eyeAlso called: third eyelid, haw
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Science 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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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