Definition of reflection
- n. - The act of reflecting, or turning or sending back, or
the state of being reflected.
- n. - The return of rays, beams, sound, or the like, from a
surface. See Angle of reflection, below.
- n. - 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.
- n. - Shining; brightness, as of the sun.
- n. - That which is produced by reflection.
- n. - An image given back from a reflecting surface; a
reflected counterpart.
- n. - A part reflected, or turned back, at an angle; as, the
reflection of a membrane.
- n. - Result of meditation; thought or opinion after
attentive consideration or contemplation; especially, thoughts
suggested by truth.
- n. - Censure; reproach cast.
- n. - 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.