reflection

Definitions

1. 1.Shining; brightness, as of the sun. [Obs.] Shak.
2. 2.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.
3. 3.Censure; reproach cast. He died; and oh! may no reflection shed Its poisonous venom on the royal dead. Prior.
4. 4.(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.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Synonyms

Related questions

• What does "reflection" mean?
• What is another word for "reflection"?

Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is reflection.

• What is shining; brightness, as of the sun. [Obs.] Shak called?
• What is censure; reproach cast. He died; and oh! may no reflection shed Its poisonous venom on the royal dead. Prior called?