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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The propagating wave sleep could be compared to the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage in humans. Discover Magazine, 1 Oct. 2024 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 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

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 23 Nov. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!