Blink

Blink refers to the rapid closing and opening of the eyelids, a reflexive action in humans and many animals. It serves to spread tears, clear debris, and protect the eye from irritants. Blinking can be voluntary or involuntary and is controlled by muscles around the eyelids and neural pathways in the brain.

The blink reflex is a protective response triggered by stimulation of the cornea or surrounding tissues. Spontaneous blinking occurs at variable rates, typically several times per minute, and can be influenced by factors such as attention, fatigue, environmental conditions, and screen use. Abnormal blinking can occur in certain neurological or ophthalmic conditions.

In technology, Blink is the name of a web rendering engine developed by Google for Chromium-based browsers. Introduced in 2013 as a fork of WebKit, Blink handles page layout, painting, and interaction, and is used by Chrome, Edge (Chromium-based), Opera, and others. It is maintained as an open-source project and has undergone ongoing development to support modern web standards.

Blink also appears in popular culture and media. Notably, "Blink" is the title of a 2007 Doctor Who episode written by Steven Moffat, featuring the Weeping Angels and praised for its storytelling. Several books, films, and songs share the title, reflecting blinking as a common metaphor for perception, delay, or sudden insight.