First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
reflection
noun re·flec·tion \ri-ˈflek-shən\
: an image that is seen in a mirror or on a shiny surface
: something that shows the effect, existence, or character of something else
: something that causes people to disapprove of a person or thing
Full Definition of REFLECTION
1
: an instance of reflecting; especially : the return of light or sound waves from a surface
2
: the production of an image by or as if by a mirror
4
: something produced by reflecting: as a : an image given back by a reflecting surface b : an effect produced by an influence <the high crime rate is a reflection of our violent society>
5
: an often obscure or indirect criticism : reproach <a reflection on his character>
6
: a thought, idea, or opinion formed or a remark made as a result of meditation
7
: consideration of some subject matter, idea, or purpose
8
obsolete : turning back : return
9
a : a transformation of a figure in which each point is replaced by a point symmetric with respect to a line or plane b : a transformation that involves reflection in more than one axis of a rectangular coordinate system
— re·flec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
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Origin of REFLECTION
Middle English, alteration of reflexion, from Late Latin reflexion-, reflexio act of bending back, from Latin reflectere
Other Physics Terms
Rhymes with REFLECTION
abjection, advection, affection, bisection, collection, complexion, confection, connection, convection, correction, cross section, C-section, defection, deflection, dejection, detection, direction, ejection, election, erection, infection, inflection, injection, inspection, midsection, objection, perfection, prelection, projection, protection, refection, rejection, resection, selection, subjection, subsection, trajection, transection, trisection
REFLECTION Defined for Kids
reflection
noun re·flec·tion \ri-ˈflek-shən\
Definition of REFLECTION for Kids
1
: the return of light or sound waves from a surface
2
: an image produced by or as if by a mirror
3
: something that brings blame or disgrace <It's a reflection on my honesty.>
4
: careful thought <After much reflection, I agreed.>
5
: an opinion formed or a remark made after careful thought
Medical Dictionary
reflection
noun re·flec·tion
Medical Definition of REFLECTION
1
: an instance of reflecting; especially : the return of light or sound waves from a surface
2
: the production of an image by or as if by a mirror
3
a : the action of bending or folding back b : a reflected part or a fold <the mesentery is a reflection of the peritoneum>
4
: something produced by reflecting; especially : an image given back by a reflecting surface
Variants of REFLECTION
re·flec·tion also British re·flex·ion \ri-ˈflek-shən\
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