Ablepharous

/æˈblɛfərəs/ adjective

Definition

Having no eyelids or being without the ability to blink.

Etymology

From Greek a- (without) + blephara (eyelids). This medical/biological term literally means lacking the paired membranes that cover and protect the eyes.

Kelly Says

Some cave fish and certain reptiles are ablepharous—and this trait actually tells us how evolution works: when creatures live in darkness for millions of years, maintaining expensive body parts like eyelids becomes wasteful, so they disappear!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.