nystagmus

(nis-tag'mus) [G. nystagmos, a nodding.] Rhythmical oscillation of the eyeballs, either horizontal, rotary, or vertical, au'ral n., a spasmodic movement of the eyes, horizontal, vertical, or rotary, first rather slowly in one direction, then by quick jerking movements in the opposite ances, cal or'ic n., see Bar 's* sign, miner's n., n. occurring in coal miners who wield the pick while lying on the side in a constrained position; when not constantly present it can be elicited by turning the eyes upward, n. against the rule, miner's n. excited when the eyes are directed downward, pal'atal n., a clonic spasm of the levator palati muscle, causing an audible click, vestib'ular n., n. occurring as a reflex of disease of the ear; when due to otic irritation the more rapid eye movement is toward the side of the affected ear; when due to paralysis of one vestibular nerve it is toward the sound side; see Bdrdny's* sign. nyx'is [G.] Pricking, puncture, paracentesis. O. I. Chemical symbol of oxygen. Abbreviation for opening (in formulae for electrical reactions), oculus, eye, octarius, pint.