definitions

reflection

[ ri-flek-shuhn ]
/ rɪˈflɛk ʃən /
|

noun

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Nearby words

reflect, reflect on, reflectance, reflected plan, reflecting telescope, reflection, reflection coefficient, reflection density, reflection nebula, reflection plane, reflective
Also especially British, re·flex·ion.

Origin of reflection

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin reflexiōn- (stem of reflexiō) a bending back, equivalent to Latin reflex(us) (see reflex) + -iōn- -ion

Related forms

Can be confused

diffraction diffusion reflection rarefaction refraction
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for non-reflection

reflection

less commonly reflexion

/ (rɪˈflɛkʃən) /

noun

the act of reflecting or the state of being reflected
something reflected or the image so produced, as by a mirror
careful or long consideration or thought
implicit or explicit attribution of discredit or blame
maths a transformation in which the direction of one axis is reversed or which changes the sign of one of the variables
anatomy the bending back of a structure or part upon itself

Derived Forms

reflectional or reflexional, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for non-reflection

reflection

[ rĭ-flĕk′shən ]

n.

The act of reflecting or the state of being reflected.
Something, such as light, radiant heat, sound, or an image, that is reflected.
The folding of a membrane from the wall of a cavity over an organ and back to the wall.
The folds so made.
Mental concentration; careful consideration.
A thought or an opinion resulting from such consideration.

Related forms

re•flec′tion•al adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for non-reflection

reflection

[ rĭ-flĕk′shən ]

The change in direction of a wave, such as a light or sound wave, away from a boundary the wave encounters. Reflected waves remain in their original medium rather than entering the medium they encounter.♦ According to the law of reflection, the angle of reflection of a reflected wave is equal to its angle of incidence. Compare refraction. See more at wave.
Something, such as sound, light, or heat, that is reflected.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Culture definitions for non-reflection

reflection

A bouncing of light off a surface. People see themselves in mirrors through reflection. (Compare refraction.)

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.