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
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Most of our dreams, especially vivid ones, happen during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 3 June 2025 There is, however, preliminary evidence of another group being more likely to have NDEs: those who are prone to REM sleep intrusion, a condition that occurs when rapid eye movement (REM) sleep intrudes into wakefulness and blends elements of dreaming and waking. Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 14 May 2024 Drinking alcohol before bed raises blood alcohol content, which disrupts rapid eye movement, or REM, sleep, a critical phase of the sleep cycle responsible for cognitive functions such as memory, concentration and mood regulation. Julianna Bragg, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025 Melatonin supplements can increase the time spent in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is a sleep stage associated with more vivid dreams or nightmares. Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for rapid eye movement

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Rapid eye movement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapid%20eye%20movement. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.

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

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