nonlucid

Nonlucid is an adjective used to describe a lack of lucidity—clear, aware, or rational consciousness. It is commonly applied in discussions of dreaming and states of consciousness, as well as in clinical descriptions of altered mental status. In the context of dreams, a nonlucid (or non-lucid) dream is one in which the dreamer does not realize that the experience is a dream. By contrast, a lucid dream implies some level of metacognition or awareness of dreaming. Most dreams are characterized as nonlucid; lucid dreams are reported by a minority of individuals and can occur spontaneously or be cultivated through practice.

In medical and clinical contexts, nonlucid may describe patient states in which awareness or orientation is reduced, such as during delirium, certain stages of coma, or other disorders of consciousness. The term is typically used descriptively rather than as a diagnostic label, and it can be qualified by specification of the level of responsiveness or awareness.

Etymology: nonlucid combines the prefix non- with lucid, from Latin lucidus meaning clear or bright. Variants include non-lucid or nonlucid, depending on style guidelines.

See also: lucid dreaming, dream report, consciousness, delirium, coma.