Blink vs. Nictitation: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 6, 2023
Blink refers to the rapid closing and opening of the eyelid, while nictitation is the scientific term specifically for a wink or blinking one eye. Both involve eyelid movement but can differ in intent and occurrence.
Key Differences
Blink is a term commonly used to describe the quick opening and closing of both eyelids, an involuntary action that serves to moisten and protect the eyes. In contrast, nictitation, often less known to the general populace, is a scientific term predominantly used to describe the act of blinking or winking one eye, often seen in certain animals as a protective mechanism. While blinking is largely universal and frequent in humans, nictitation has a more specialized and limited occurrence.
Blinking is an involuntary reflex, occurring spontaneously and routinely to keep the eye lubricated and free from dust and other irritants. On the other hand, nictitation can often be more deliberate and singular, serving specific purposes in various species, including protection and communication. Blink has broader applicability and everyday usage, while nictitation is more specific and is typically used in more scientific or detailed discussions about eyelid movements.
While the term blink is more widespread and universally understood, nictitation is less commonly recognized and is often associated with zoological and physiological studies. Both terms depict actions involving the eyelid, but the frequency, intention, and awareness of these actions can greatly differ, with blink being more reflexive and nictitation being more intentional or specialized.
Blinking can also serve as a non-verbal cue or reaction to stimuli, conveying feelings, or responses. Nictitation, with its specific and limited application, is less likely to convey human emotions or reactions but may play a role in animal behavior and interactions. Both are integral to understanding eyelid dynamics, but they differ in their relevance and application to human behavior and animal physiology.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Rapid closing and opening of the eyelid.
Scientific term for blinking or winking one eye.
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Occurrence
Universal and frequent in humans.
More specialized and observed in certain animals.
Intent
Largely involuntary and reflexive.
Can be more deliberate and singular.
Usage
Commonly used and understood.
Less common, used in scientific contexts.
Communication
Can convey emotions or reactions in humans.
Often seen as a protective mechanism in animals.
Blink and Nictitation Definitions
Blink
Rapid closing and reopening of the eyelid.
She didn’t blink as she stared at the shocking scene.
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Nictitation
The act of winking or blinking, especially one eye.
The owl’s nictitation conveyed a sense of awareness.
Blink
To close and open one or both of the eyes rapidly.
Nictitation
A protective reflex in response to environmental stimuli.
Nictitation in certain animals protects the eye from dust and debris.
Blink
To look in astonishment or disbelief, typically with the eyes blinking
Stood blinking at the money they found in the drawer.
Blinked at the results of the experiment.
Nictitation
A blink or wink as a mode of communication in animals.
Studies suggest that nictitation may have communicative functions in some species.
Blink
To look through half-closed eyes, as in a bright glare; squint
Blinked at the page trying to make out the letters.
Nictitation
A deliberate closing of one eyelid.
Nictitation in frogs serves as a protective measure.
Blink
To give off light with intermittent gleams; flash on and off
"blazing neon signs, brilliant shop windows, decorations blinking across the fronts of half-finished tower blocks" (Jess Row).
Nictitation
A rapid or frequent blinking of one eye.
The lizard's nictitation was observed under different conditions.
Blink
To pretend to be ignorant of; disregard or condone
A mayor who refused to blink at corruption.
Nictitation
To wink.
Blink
To waver or back down, as in a contest of wills
"This was the first genuine, direct confrontation between this administration and the Soviets. It was the U.S.A. that blinked" (Zbigniew Brzezinski).
Nictitation
Winking, blinking
Blink
To cause to blink
Blinked his eyes to clear his vision.
Nictitation
The act of winking.
Blink
To hold back or remove from the eyes by blinking
Blinked back the tears.
Nictitation
A reflex that closes and opens the eyes rapidly
Blink
To refuse to recognize or face
Blink ugly facts.
Blink
To transmit (a message) with a flashing light.
Blink
The act or an instance of rapidly closing and opening the eyes or an eye.
Blink
An instant
I'll be back in a blink.
Blink
(Scots) A quick look or glimpse; a glance.
Blink
A flash of light; a twinkle.
Blink
See iceblink.
Blink
(intransitive) To close and reopen both eyes quickly.
The loser in the staring game is the person who blinks first.
Blink
(transitive) To close and reopen one's eyes to remove (something) from on or around the eyes.
She blinked her tears away.
Blink
To wink; to twinkle with, or as with, the eye.
Blink
To see with the eyes half shut, or indistinctly and with frequent winking, as a person with weak eyes.
Blink
To shine, especially with intermittent light; to twinkle; to flicker; to glimmer, as a lamp.
Blink
To glance.
Blink
To flash on and off at regular intervals.
The blinking text on the screen was distracting.
Blink
To flash headlights on a car at.
An urban legend claims that gang members will attack anyone who blinks them.
Blink
To send a signal with a lighting device.
Don't come to the door until I blink twice.
Blink
(hyperbole) To perform the smallest action that could solicit a response.
Blink
(transitive) To shut out of sight; to evade; to shirk.
To blink the question
Blink
To turn slightly sour, or blinky, as beer, milk, etc.
Blink
To teleport, mostly for short distances.
Blink
The act of quickly closing both eyes and opening them again.
Blink
(figuratively) The time needed to close and reopen one's eyes.
Blink
(computing) A text formatting feature that causes text to disappear and reappear as a form of visual emphasis.
Blink
A glimpse or glance.
Blink
Gleam; glimmer; sparkle
Blink
(nautical) The dazzling whiteness about the horizon caused by the reflection of light from fields of ice at sea; iceblink
Blink
Boughs cast where deer are to pass, in order to turn or check them.
Blink
(video games) An ability that allows teleporting, mostly for short distances
Blink
To wink; to twinkle with, or as with, the eye.
One eye was blinking, and one leg was lame.
Blink
To see with the eyes half shut, or indistinctly and with frequent winking, as a person with weak eyes.
Show me thy chink, to blink through with mine eyne.
Blink
To shine, esp. with intermittent light; to twinkle; to flicker; to glimmer, as a lamp.
The dew was falling fast, the stars began to blink.
The sun blinked fair on pool and stream .
Blink
To turn slightly sour, as beer, mild, etc.
Blink
To shut out of sight; to avoid, or purposely evade; to shirk; as, to blink the question.
Blink
To trick; to deceive.
Blink
A glimpse or glance.
This is the first blink that ever I had of him.
Blink
Gleam; glimmer; sparkle.
Not a blink of light was there.
Blink
The dazzling whiteness about the horizon caused by the reflection of light from fields of ice at sea; ice blink.
Blink
Boughs cast where deer are to pass, to turn or check them.
Blink
A reflex that closes and opens the eyes rapidly
Blink
Briefly shut the eyes;
The TV announcer never seems to blink
Blink
Force to go away by blinking;
Blink away tears
Blink
Gleam or glow intermittently;
The lights were flashing
Blink
A signal or sign usually of surprise or ignorance.
It all happened in the blink of an eye.
Blink
A short, unplanned nap.
He took a quick blink before getting back to work.
Blink
To look through half-closed eyes.
She blinked at the bright sunlight.
FAQs
How often does blinking occur?
Blinking occurs involuntarily about 15-20 times per minute in humans.
Is blink a reflex action?
Yes, a blink is primarily a reflex action to moisten and protect the eye.
Is nictitation the same as blinking?
Nictitation refers specifically to blinking or winking one eye and is more deliberate.
Is nictitation common in humans?
Nictitation is less common and less recognized in humans and is more associated with animal behavior.
Can blinking convey emotions?
Yes, blinking can serve as a non-verbal cue and convey feelings or reactions.
Is nictitation a form of communication in animals?
Yes, nictitation can play a role in animal communication and interactions.
Is the term blink used universally?
Yes, blink is a universally understood term to describe the rapid opening and closing of the eyelid.
Can a blink be controlled voluntarily?
While primarily reflexive, individuals can also blink voluntarily.
Is the term blink more common than nictitation?
Yes, blink is more commonly used and recognized than the term nictitation.
Is nictitation a protective mechanism in animals?
Yes, nictitation serves as a protective mechanism in certain animals.
Is nictitation observed in specific animal species?
Yes, nictitation is more specifically observed in certain animal species for protection and communication.
Can blinking frequency be altered by external stimuli?
Yes, blinking frequency can increase or decrease in response to external stimuli like light or dust.
Does nictitation occur in response to environmental factors?
Nictitation can occur as a protective reflex in response to environmental stimuli in animals.
Is nictitation studied in zoology?
Yes, nictitation is often studied in zoology, especially in relation to animal behavior and physiology.
Can blinking help in removing irritants from the eye?
Yes, blinking helps in removing irritants and keeping the eye lubricated.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
