reflexology

[ ree-flek-sol-uh-jee ]

/ ˌri flɛkˈsɒl ə dʒi /

noun

a system of massaging specific areas of the foot or sometimes the hand in order to promote healing, relieve stress, etc., in other parts of the body.

Medicine/Medical. the study of reflex movements and processes.

Nearby words

reflexion, reflexive, reflexivize, reflexogenic, reflexograph, reflexology, reflexometer, refluent, reflux, reflux esophagitis, reflux oesophagitis

Origin of reflexology

First recorded in 1920–25; reflex + -o- + -logy

Related forms

re·flex·ol·o·gist, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for reflexology

reflexology

/ (ˌriːflɛkˈsɒlədʒɪ) /

noun

a form of therapy practised as a treatment in alternative medicine in which the soles of the feet are massaged: designed to stimulate the blood supply and nerves and thus relieve tension

psychol the belief that behaviour can be understood in terms of combinations of reflexes

Derived Forms

reflexologist, noun

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 reflexology

reflexology

[ rē′flĕk-sŏl′ə-jē ]

n.

The study of reflex responses, especially as they affect behavior.

A method of massage that relieves nervous tension through the application of finger pressure, especially to the feet.