nictitant
/ˈnɪktɪt(ə)nt/Now rare
adjective
Adapted for winking or blinking; nictitating. Also (occasionally): giving the appearance of winking or blinking.
- nictitant membrane noun = nictitating membrane..
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in William Kirby (1759–1850), entomologist and naturalist. From post-classical Latin nictitant-, nictitans, present participle of nictitare. With nictitant membrane compare post-classical Latin nictitans membrana.