a transparent third eyelid hinged at the inner side or lower lid of the eye of various animals, serving to keep the eye clean and moist: it is vestigial in humans
See nictitating membrane in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(nĭkˈtĭ-tāˌtĭng) also nic·tat·ing membrane(nĭkˈtāˌtĭng)
noun
A transparent inner eyelid in birds, reptiles, and some mammals that closes to protect and moisten the eye. Also called third eyelid.