reflector

American  

[ri-flek-ter] / rɪˈflɛk tər /

noun

1. a person or thing that reflects.

2. a body, surface, or device that reflects light, heat, sound, or the like.

3. telescope1

4. a substance, as graphite or heavy water, used to prevent the escape of neutrons from the core of a nuclear reactor.

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reflector British  

/ rɪˈflɛktə /

noun

1. a person or thing that reflects

2. a surface or object that reflects light, sound, heat, etc

3. a small translucent red disc, strip, etc, with a reflecting backing on the rear of a road vehicle, which reflects the light of the headlights of a following vehicle

4. another name for reflecting telescope

5. part of an aerial placed so as to increase the forward radiation of the radiator and decrease the backward radiation

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Other Word Forms

• nonreflector noun

Etymology

Origin of reflector

First recorded in 1655–65; reflect + -or ²

Example Sentences

A disco ball, aka “myriad reflector,” can turn any trashy hellhole into a party space, especially if you don’t look too closely.

From The Wall Street Journal

These waves travel forward, strike a reflector, and then move backward, much like light reflecting between mirrors in a laser.

From Science Daily

"It shows muscle and fat mass quantified in the body are key reflectors of brain health, as tracked with brain aging."

From Science Daily

Consider fitting reflector panels to those on external walls.

From BBC

Consider fitting radiator reflector panels, although that may be a longer-term job.

From BBC

Related Words

• mirror