-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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-
: a rapid conjugate movement of the eyes associated especially with REM sleep
called also REM
More from Merriam-Webster on rapid eye movement
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share