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Definitions for: Reflection
[n] a likeness in which left and right are reversed
[n] the image of something as reflected by a mirror (or other reflective material); "he studied his reflection in the mirror"
[n] the ability to reflect beams or rays
[n] a calm lengthy intent consideration
[n] a remark expressing careful consideration
[n] expression without words; "tears are an expression of grief"; "the pulse is a reflection of the heart's condition"
[n] the phenomenon of a propagating wave (light or sound) being thrown back from a surface
[n] (mathematics) a transformation in which the direction of one axis is reversed
Webster (1913) Definition: Re*flec"tion (r?*fl?k"sh?n), n. [L. reflexio: cf.
F. r['e]flexion. See Riflect.] [Written also reflexion.]
1. The act of reflecting, or turning or sending back, or the
state of being reflected. Specifically:
(a) The return of rays, beams, sound, or the like, from a
surface. See Angle of reflection, below.
The eye sees not itself, But by reflection, by
some other things. --Shak.
(b) The reverting of the mind to that which has already
occupied it; continued consideration; meditation;
contemplation; hence, also, that operation or power of
the mind by which it is conscious of its own acts or
states; the capacity for judging rationally,
especially in view of a moral rule or standard.
By reflection, . . . I would be understood to
mean, that notice which the mind takes of its
own operations, and the manner of them, by
reason whereof there come to be ideas of these
operations in the understanding. --Locke.
This delight grows and improves under thought
and reflection. --South.
2. Shining; brightness, as of the sun. [Obs.] --Shak.
3. That which is produced by reflection. Specifically:
(a) An image given back from a reflecting surface; a
reflected counterpart.
As the sun water we can bear, Yet not the sun,
but his reflection, there. --Dryden.
(b) A part reflected, or turned back, at an angle; as, the
reflection of a membrane.
(c) Result of meditation; thought or opinion after
attentive consideration or contemplation; especially,
thoughts suggested by truth.
Job's reflections on his once flourishing estate
did at the same time afflict and encourage him.
--Atterbury.
4. Censure; reproach cast.
He died; and oh! may no reflection shed Its
poisonous venom on the royal dead. --Prior.
5. (Physiol.) The transference of an excitement from one
nerve fiber to another by means of the nerve cells, as in
reflex action. See Reflex action, under Reflex.
Angle of reflection, the angle which anything, as a ray of
light, on leaving a reflecting surface, makes with the
perpendicular to the surface.
Angle of total reflection. (Opt.) Same as Critical angle,
under Critical.
Syn: Meditation; contemplation; rumination; cogitation;
consideration; musing; thinking.
Synonyms: contemplation, expression, manifestation, mirror image, musing, observation, reflectivity, reflexion, reflexion, reflexion, reflexion, reflexion, rumination, thoughtfulness
See Also: act, alikeness, cogitation, comment, consideration, demo, demonstration, echo, effusion, gush, icon, ikon, image, introspection, lamentation, laughter, likeness, meditation, mourning, omphaloskepsis, outburst, Parkinson's law, physical phenomenon, physical property, picture, remark, replication, retrospect, reverberation, self-contemplation, self-examination, similitude, sound reflection, speculation, study, transformation, virtual image, zodiacal light
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