reflector

[ ri-flek-ter ]

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.

reflector

/ 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. See reflecting telescope
   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

Other Words From

• nonre·flector noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of reflector¹

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

Example Sentences

It’s also waterproof for enhanced durability and equipped with reflectors for safe nighttime walking.

From Popular-Science

Hoping to see better while driving at night without spending a fortune, I ordered a set of LED replacement bulbs for the reflector headlights on my new Ford Ranger.

From Outside Online

Many other telescopes, known as reflectors, focus light with curved mirrors.

From Science News For Students

Specular aluminum reflectors sit behind the bulbs to direct the light rays where they need to go.

From Popular-Science

For an expansive view of the cosmos, this computerized telescope pick features a Newtonian reflector optical design with a 130mm-aperture that lets you see the clouds around Jupiter and the surface of the moon in great detail.

From Popular-Science

The driver wore reflector shades, and his hair was buzzed short.

From The Daily Beast

A conservative estimate places the number within reach of the Crossley reflector at about 120,000.

From Project Gutenberg

The movable hour circle and driving wheel of the Crossley reflector has two sets of graduations.

From Project Gutenberg

At present the Crossley reflector is being used for photographing nebulæ, for which purpose it is very effective.

From Project Gutenberg

The Crossley reflector promises to be useful in a number of fields which are fairly well defined.

From Project Gutenberg

A piece of tin, or bright metal, is placed beneath each globe for a reflector.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• glass