rapid eye movement

noun

rapidly shifting, continuous movements of the eyes beneath closed lids during the stage of sleep characterized by dreaming.

Also called REM.

Origin

1915-20

British Dictionary definitions for rapid eye movement

rapid eye movement

noun

movement of the eyeballs under closed eyelids during paradoxical sleep, which occurs while the sleeper is dreaming REM

rapid eye movement in Medicine

rapid eye movement n.

Abbr. REM The rapid periodic jerky movement of the eyes during certain stages of the sleep cycle when dreaming takes place.