nystagmus

noun

nys·tag·mus ni-ˈstag-məs

: 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

nystagmic

ni-ˈstag-mik

adjective

Examples of nystagmus 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.

With a stroke, the central left-right integration system gets hit, so the nystagmus goes both ways. — Tony Dajer, Discover Magazine, 15 May 2021 Little Johnny [who has low vision and nystagmus] was impressive in this episode. — Dan Snierson, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2022 Not only did his acuity improve tremendously, but his nystagmus was reduced. — Susan R. Barry, WSJ, 18 June 2021 Neil has nystagmus, a fast, involuntary eye movement. — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nystagmus

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1772, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of nystagmus was in 1772

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Browse Nearby Words

Nyssaceae

nystagmus

nystatin

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Nystagmus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nystagmus. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

nystagmus

noun

nys·tag·mus nis-ˈtag-məs

: 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

nystagmus

noun

Examples of nystagmus in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Medical Definition

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