Eyeshine

/ˈaɪˌʃaɪn/ noun

Definition

The bright reflection of light from an animal's eyes, especially the glowing effect seen in nocturnal creatures when light hits their reflective layer.

Etymology

Compound of 'eye' and 'shine' (from Old English 'scinan'). Natural history term describing the tapetum lucidum phenomenon.

Kelly Says

Eyeshine in deer and cats comes from a mirror-like layer behind their retinas that bounces light back through photoreceptors twice—this is why they see better at night than you, and why their eyes glow in headlights.

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