reflection

re·flec·tion

noun \ri-ˈflek-shən\

Definition of REFLECTION

1

: an instance 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 : fold

4

: something produced by reflecting: as a : an image given back by a reflecting surface b : an effect produced by an influence <the high crime rate is a reflection of our violent society>

5

: an often obscure or indirect criticism : reproach <a reflection on his character>

6

: a thought, idea, or opinion formed or a remark made as a result of meditation

7

: consideration of some subject matter, idea, or purpose

8

obsolete : turning back : return

9

a : a transformation of a figure in which each point is replaced by a point symmetric with respect to a line or plane b : a transformation that involves reflection in more than one axis of a rectangular coordinate system

— re·flec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

Examples of REFLECTION

1. She was looking at her reflection in the mirror.
2. He saw the reflections of the clouds on the lake.

Origin of REFLECTION

Middle English, alteration of reflexion, from Late Latin reflexion-, reflexio act of bending back, from Latin reflectere

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to REFLECTION

Synonyms: comment, note, observation, remark

Antonyms: credit, honor

Related Words: analysis, commentary, exposition; aside, obiter dictum; annotation; belief, conviction, eye, feeling, judgment (or judgement), mind, notion, persuasion, sentiment, verdict, view; advice, input

Near Antonyms: boast, glory, jewel, pride, treasure

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Physics Terms

amplitude, centrifugal, centripetal, convection, gradient, hysteresis, kinetic, lase, quantum

Rhymes with REFLECTION

abjection, advection, affection, bisection, collection, complexion, confection, connection, convection, correction, cross section, C-section, defection, deflection, dejection, detection, direction, ejection, election, erection, infection, inflection, injection, inspection, midsection, objection, perfection, prelection, projection, protection, refection, rejection, resection, selection, subjection, subsection, trajection, transection, trisection