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reflection

 - 6 dictionary results

re⋅flec⋅tion

  [ri-flek-shuhn]
Use reflection in a Sentence
–noun
1. the act of reflecting or the state of being reflected.
2. an image; representation; counterpart.
3. a fixing of the thoughts on something; careful consideration.
4. a thought occurring in consideration or meditation.
5. an unfavorable remark or observation.
6. the casting of some imputation or reproach.
7. Physics, Optics.
a. the return of light, heat, sound, etc., after striking a surface.
b. something so reflected, as heat or esp. light.
8. Mathematics.
a. (in a plane) the replacement of each point on one side of a line by the point symmetrically placed on the other side of the line.
b. (in space) the replacement of each point on one side of a plane by the symmetric point on the other side of the plane.
9. Anatomy. the bending or folding back of a part upon itself.
Also, especially British, reflexion.

Origin:
1350–1400; ME < LL reflexiōn- (s. of reflexiō) a bending back, equiv. to L reflex(us) (see reflex ) + -iōn- -ion

Related forms:
re⋅flec⋅tion⋅al, adjective
re⋅flec⋅tion⋅less, adjective

Synonyms:
3. meditation, rumination, deliberation, cogitation, study, thinking. 5. imputation, aspersion, reproach, criticism.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To reflection
re·flec·tion   (rĭ-flěk'shən)   
n.  

  1. The act of reflecting or the state of being reflected.

  2. Something, such as light, radiant heat, sound, or an image, that is reflected.

    1. Mental concentration; careful consideration.

    2. A thought or an opinion resulting from such consideration.

    3. The folding of a membrane from the wall of a cavity over an organ and back to the wall.

    4. The folds so made.

  4. An indirect expression of censure or discredit: a reflection on his integrity.

  5. A manifestation or result: Her achievements are a reflection of her courage.

  6. Anatomy

    1. The folding of a membrane from the wall of a cavity over an organ and back to the wall.

    2. The folds so made.

re·flec'tion·al adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Cultural Dictionary

reflection

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

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

reflection 
c.1384, in reference to surfaces, from L.L. reflexionem (nom. reflexio) "a reflection," lit. "a bending back," from L. reflex-, pp. stem of reflectere, from re- "back" + flectere "to bend." Meaning "remark made after turning back one's thought on some subject" is from 1659. The verb reflect is recorded from 1412, originally "to turn aside;" meaning "to turn back" an image or light rays is from 1530; sense of "to turn one's thoughts (back) to" is first attested 1605.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: re·flec·tion
Variant: also British re·flex·ion /ri-'flek-sh&n/
Function: noun
1 : aninstance 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 reflection of the peritoneum>
4 : somethingproduced by reflecting; especially : an image given back by a reflecting surface
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

reflection re·flec·tion (rĭ-flěk'shən)
n.

  1. The act of reflecting or the state of being reflected.

  2. Something, such as light, radiant heat, sound, or an image, that is reflected.

  3. The folding of a membrane from the wall of a cavity over an organ and back to the wall.

  4. The folds so made.

  5. Mental concentration; careful consideration.

  6. A thought or an opinion resulting from such consideration.

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.
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