nystagmus

noun nys·tag·mus \ ni-ˈstag-məs \

Updated on: 28 Feb 2018

Definition of nystagmus

: involuntary usually rapid movement of the eyeballs occurring normally with dizziness during and after bodily rotation or abnormally following head injury or as a symptom of disease

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nystagmic

play \ni-ˈstag-mik\ adjective

Recent Examples of nystagmus from the Web

Pets that eat pet food containing pentobarbital can experience drowsiness, dizziness, excitement, loss of balance, nausea, nystagmus (eyes moving back and forth in a jerky manner) and inability to stand.

— julie washington, cleveland.com, "Smucker recalls canned dog food containing potentially lethal drug," 19 Feb. 2018
But when Jeffrey started exhibiting symptoms of nystagmus — an eye condition that causes uncontrolled repetitive eye movements — his mom, a physical therapist, knew something more serious might be involved.

— kristen jordan shamus, Detroit Free Press, "Teen who beat brain cancer plans to become a pediatric oncologist to help other kids," 17 June 2017
A rabbit was brought in for a dental issue, but during the exam, its eyes began jerking back and forth, a condition called nystagmus.

— andy newman, New York Times, "The Doctor Will See Your Iguana Now," 12 May 2017
Brown said Jeffrey still struggles with nystagmus and has difficulty at times reading and typing.

— kristen jordan shamus, Detroit Free Press, "Teen who beat brain cancer plans to become a pediatric oncologist to help other kids," 17 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nystagmus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of nystagmus

New Latin, from Greek nystagmos drowsiness, from nystazein to doze; probably akin to Lithuanian snusti to doze

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1772

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

nystagmus

noun nys·tag·mus \ nis-ˈtag-məs \

medical Definition of nystagmus

: involuntary usually rapid movement of the eyeballs (as from side to side) occurring normally with dizziness during and after bodily rotation or abnormally following head injury or as a symptom of disease