Definitions for: Reflex


[n] an automatic instinctive unlearned reaction to a stimulus



Webster (1913) Definition: Re"flex (r?"fl?ks), a. [L. reflexus, p. p. of
reflectere: cf. F. r['e]flexe. See Reflect.]
1. Directed back; attended by reflection; retroactive;
introspective.

The reflex act of the soul, or the turning of the
intellectual eye inward upon its own actions. --Sir
M. Hale.

2. Produced in reaction, in resistance, or in return.

3. (Physiol.) Of, pertaining to, or produced by, stimulus or
excitation without the necessary intervention of
consciousness.

Reflex action (Physiol.), any action performed
involuntarily in consequence of an impulse or impression
transmitted along afferent nerves to a nerve center, from
which it is reflected to an efferent nerve, and so calls
into action certain muscles, organs, or cells.

Reflex nerve (Physiol.), an excito-motory nerve. See
Exito-motory.


Re"flex (r?"fl?ks; formerly r?*fl?ks"), n. [L. reflexus
a bending back. See Reflect.]
1. Reflection; the light reflected from an illuminated
surface to one in shade.

Yon gray is not the morning's eye, 'Tis but the pale
reflex of Cynthia's brow. --Shak.

On the depths of death there swims The reflex of a
human face. --Tennyson.

2. (Physiol.) An involuntary movement produced by reflex
action.

Patellar reflex. See Knee jerk, under Knee.


Re*flex" (r?*fl?ks"), v. t. [L. reflexus, p. p. of
reflectere. See Reflect.]
1. To reflect. [Obs.] --Shak.

2. To bend back; to turn back. --J. Gregory.

Synonyms: inborn reflex, innate reflex, instinctive reflex, physiological reaction, unconditioned reflex

See Also: accommodation reflex, Babinski, Babinski reflex, Babinski sign, belch, belching, blink, blinking, blush, breaking wind, burp, burping, defecation reflex, disgorgement, electric shock, electrical shock, emesis, eructation, eye blink, fart, farting, flatus, flush, gag reflex, goose bump, goose pimple, goose skin, gooseflesh, gulp, gulping, hiccough, hiccup, horripilation, jump, knee jerk, knee-jerk reflex, light reflex, micturition reflex, miosis, mydriasis, myosis, myotactic reflex, nictation, nictitation, oscitance, oscitancy, patellar reflex, pharyngeal reflex, pilomotor reflex, plantar reflex, puking, pupillary reflex, reaction, rectal reflex, regurgitation, response, rooting reflex, shake, shiver, shock, singultus, sneeze, sneezing, start, startle, sternutation, stretch reflex, suckling reflex, tremble, vomit, vomiting, wind, wink, winking, yawn, yawning

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