reflex

¹re·flex

noun \ˈrē-ˌfleks\

Definition of REFLEX

1

a archaic : reflected heat, light, or color

b : a mirrored image

c : a copy exact in essential or peculiar features

2

a : an automatic and often inborn response to a stimulus that involves a nerve impulse passing inward from a receptor to a nerve center and thence outward to an effector (as a muscle or gland) without reaching the level of consciousness — compare habit 7

b : the process that culminates in a reflex and comprises reception, transmission, and reaction —called also reflex action

c plural : the power of acting or responding with adequate speed

d : a way of thinking or behaving

3

: a linguistic element (as a word or sound) or system (as writing) that is derived from a prior and especially an older element or system <boat is the reflex of Old English bāt>

Examples of REFLEX

1. reflexes such as swallowing and blinking
2. Disagreeing with my suggestions has become almost a reflex for him.
3. an athlete with great reflexes
4. My reflexes are slower now that I'm older.

Origin of REFLEX

Latin reflexus, past participle of reflectere to reflect

First Known Use: 1508

Rhymes with REFLEX

annex, apex, codex, complex, convex, cortex, culex, desex, duplex, DX, fourplex, ibex, ilex, index, Kleenex, latex, mirex, murex, MX, narthex, perplex, Perspex, phone sex, pollex, Pyrex, Rx, safe sex, scolex, silex, silvex, simplex, spandex, telex, Tex-Mex, triplex, unsex, vertex, vortex

²reflex

adjective

Definition of REFLEX

1

: directed back on the mind or its operations : introspective

2

: reflexed

3

: produced or carried out in reaction, resistance, or return

4

of an angle : being between 180° and 360°

5

: of, relating to, or produced by a reflex without intervention of consciousness

— re·flex·ly adverb

Origin of REFLEX

Latin reflexus

First Known Use: 1649

reflex

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In biology, an automatic and inborn response to a stimulus that involves a nerve impulse passing from a sensory nerve cell to a muscle or gland without reaching the level of consciousness. Simple reflexes include sucking, swallowing, blinking, scratching, and the knee jerk. Most reflexes consist of complex patterns of many unconsciously coordinated muscular actions that form the basis of much instinctive behavior in animals. Examples include walking, standing, the cat's righting reflex, and basic sexual acts.