reflexes

 [adj., n. ree-fleks; v. ri-fleks]  

re·flex

   [adj., n. ree-fleks; v. ri-fleks]
adjective
1.
Physiology. noting or pertaining to an involuntary response to a stimulus, the nerve impulse from a receptor being transmitted inward to a nerve center that in turn transmits it outward to an effector.
2.
occurring in reaction; responsive.
3.
cast back; reflected, as light, color, etc.
4.
bent or turned back.
5.
designating a radio apparatus in which the same circuit or part performs two functions.
noun
6.
Physiology.
a.
Also called reflex act. movement caused by a reflex response.
b.
Also called reflex action. the entire physiological process activating such movement.
7.
any automatic, unthinking, often habitual behavior or response.
8.
the reflection or image of an object, as exhibited by a mirror or the like.
9.
a reproduction, as if in a mirror.
10.
a copy; adaptation.
EXPAND
11.
reflected light, color, etc.
12.
Historical Linguistics. an element in a language, as a sound, that has developed from a corresponding element in an earlier form of the language: The (ō) in “stone” is a reflex of Old English ā.
13.
a reflex radio receiver.
14.
a reflex camera.
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Reflexes is always a great word to know.
So is quincunx. Does it mean:
a chattering or flighty, light-headed person.
an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle.
LEARN MORE UNUSUAL WORDS WITH WORD DYNAMO...
verb (used with object)
15.
to subject to a reflex process.
16.
to bend, turn, or fold back.
17.
to arrange in a reflex system.
Origin:
1500–10; < Latin reflexus bent back, past participle of reflectere to reflect

Related forms
re·flex·ly, adverb
re·flex·ness, noun
mul·ti·re·flex, noun
sem·i·re·flex, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source Link To reflexes
American Heritage
Science Dictionary
reflex   (rē'flěks')  Pronunciation Key 

  1. An involuntary physiological response to a stimulus, as the withdrawal of a body part from burning heat.

  2. An unlearned or instinctive response to a stimulus. Also called unconditioned response. See more at classical conditioning.


The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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