rapid eye movement

noun

: a rapid conjugate movement of the eyes associated especially with REM sleep

Examples of rapid eye movement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The bad news is heat exposure has been shown to increase wakefulness and decrease slow-wave sleep (the most restorative sleep stage) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is important for emotional processing. Samson McDougall, Health, 9 Aug. 2024 It is called rapid eye movement sleep because the body is paralyzed to prevent injury while dreaming, but the eyes move quickly behind closed eyelids. Daniel Combs, Verywell Health, 8 Aug. 2024 Unlike dolphins, for example—which can sleep with half their brain while the other half remains awake—cats and dogs experience rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Brianne Kane, Scientific American, 1 Aug. 2024 Here in Australia, a study by Frontiers in Neuroscience similarly shows that Australians get more REM (rapid eye movement) sleep in the winter. Elizabeth Gulino, refinery29.com, 27 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for rapid eye movement 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rapid eye movement.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rapid eye movement was in 1900

Dictionary Entries Near rapid eye movement

Cite this Entry

“Rapid eye movement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapid%20eye%20movement. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

rapid eye movement

noun
: rapid movement of the eyes which occurs during the dreaming period of sleep

Medical Definition

rapid eye movement

noun
rap·​id eye movement ˈrap-əd- How to pronounce rapid eye movement (audio)
: a rapid conjugate movement of the eyes associated especially with REM sleep

called also REM

More from Merriam-Webster on rapid eye movement

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