Blink vs. Nictitation: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
Rapid closing and opening of the eyelid.
Scientific term for blinking or winking one eye.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Occurrence
Universal and frequent in humans.
More specialized and observed in certain animals.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Intent
Largely involuntary and reflexive.
Can be more deliberate and singular.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Communication
Can convey emotions or reactions in humans.
Often seen as a protective mechanism in animals.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Blink and Nictitation Definitions
Blink
Rapid closing and reopening of the eyelid.
She didn’t blink as she stared at the shocking scene.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Nictitation
The act of winking or blinking, especially one eye.
The owl’s nictitation conveyed a sense of awareness.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Nictitation
A protective reflex in response to environmental stimuli.
Nictitation in certain animals protects the eye from dust and debris.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Nictitation
A blink or wink as a mode of communication in animals.
Studies suggest that nictitation may have communicative functions in some species.
Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Blink
To look through half-closed eyes, as in a bright glare; squint
Blinked at the page trying to make out the letters.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Nictitation
A deliberate closing of one eyelid.
Nictitation in frogs serves as a protective measure.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023
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).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Nictitation
A rapid or frequent blinking of one eye.
The lizard's nictitation was observed under different conditions.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Blink
To pretend to be ignorant of; disregard or condone
A mayor who refused to blink at corruption.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
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).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Blink
To hold back or remove from the eyes by blinking
Blinked back the tears.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Blink
The act or an instance of rapidly closing and opening the eyes or an eye.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Blink
(intransitive) To close and reopen both eyes quickly.
The loser in the staring game is the person who blinks first.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Blink
(transitive) To close and reopen one's eyes to remove (something) from on or around the eyes.
She blinked her tears away.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Blink
To see with the eyes half shut, or indistinctly and with frequent winking, as a person with weak eyes.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Blink
To shine, especially with intermittent light; to twinkle; to flicker; to glimmer, as a lamp.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Blink
To flash on and off at regular intervals.
The blinking text on the screen was distracting.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Blink
To flash headlights on a car at.
An urban legend claims that gang members will attack anyone who blinks them.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Blink
To send a signal with a lighting device.
Don't come to the door until I blink twice.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Blink
(hyperbole) To perform the smallest action that could solicit a response.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Blink
(transitive) To shut out of sight; to evade; to shirk.
To blink the question
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Blink
(computing) A text formatting feature that causes text to disappear and reappear as a form of visual emphasis.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Blink
(nautical) The dazzling whiteness about the horizon caused by the reflection of light from fields of ice at sea; iceblink
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Blink
(video games) An ability that allows teleporting, mostly for short distances
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Blink
To wink; to twinkle with, or as with, the eye.
One eye was blinking, and one leg was lame.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
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 .
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Blink
To shut out of sight; to avoid, or purposely evade; to shirk; as, to blink the question.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Blink
The dazzling whiteness about the horizon caused by the reflection of light from fields of ice at sea; ice blink.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 03, 2023
Blink
A signal or sign usually of surprise or ignorance.
It all happened in the blink of an eye.
Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023
Blink
A short, unplanned nap.
He took a quick blink before getting back to work.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
FAQs
How often does blinking occur?
Blinking occurs involuntarily about 15-20 times per minute in humans.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Is blink a reflex action?
Yes, a blink is primarily a reflex action to moisten and protect the eye.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Is nictitation the same as blinking?
Nictitation refers specifically to blinking or winking one eye and is more deliberate.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Is nictitation common in humans?
Nictitation is less common and less recognized in humans and is more associated with animal behavior.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023
Can blinking convey emotions?
Yes, blinking can serve as a non-verbal cue and convey feelings or reactions.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023
Is nictitation a form of communication in animals?
Yes, nictitation can play a role in animal communication and interactions.
Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023
Is the term blink used universally?
Yes, blink is a universally understood term to describe the rapid opening and closing of the eyelid.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023
Can a blink be controlled voluntarily?
While primarily reflexive, individuals can also blink voluntarily.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Is the term blink more common than nictitation?
Yes, blink is more commonly used and recognized than the term nictitation.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Is nictitation a protective mechanism in animals?
Yes, nictitation serves as a protective mechanism in certain animals.
Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023
Is nictitation observed in specific animal species?
Yes, nictitation is more specifically observed in certain animal species for protection and communication.
Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023
Can blinking frequency be altered by external stimuli?
Yes, blinking frequency can increase or decrease in response to external stimuli like light or dust.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023
Does nictitation occur in response to environmental factors?
Nictitation can occur as a protective reflex in response to environmental stimuli in animals.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Is nictitation studied in zoology?
Yes, nictitation is often studied in zoology, especially in relation to animal behavior and physiology.
Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023
Can blinking help in removing irritants from the eye?
Yes, blinking helps in removing irritants and keeping the eye lubricated.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
