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View synonyms for

reflex

[ adjective noun ree-fleks; verb ri-fleks ]

adjective

  1. Physiology. noting or pertaining to an involuntary response to a stimulus, the nerve impulse from a receptor being transmitted inward to a nerve center that in turn transmits it outward to an effector.
  2. occurring in reaction; responsive.
  3. cast back; reflected, as light, color, etc.
  4. bent or turned back.
  5. designating a radio apparatus in which the same circuit or part performs two functions.


noun

  1. Physiology.
    1. Also called reflex act. movement caused by a reflex response.
    2. Also called reflex action. the entire physiological process activating such movement.
  2. any automatic, unthinking, often habitual behavior or response.
  3. the reflection or image of an object, as exhibited by a mirror or the like.
  4. a reproduction, as if in a mirror.
  5. a copy; adaptation.
  6. reflected light, color, etc.
  7. Historical Linguistics. an element in a language, as a sound, that has developed from a corresponding element in an earlier form of the language:

    The (ō) in “stone” is a reflex of Old English ā.

  8. a reflex radio receiver.
  9. a reflex camera.

verb (used with object)

  1. to subject to a reflex process.
  2. to bend, turn, or fold back.
  3. to arrange in a reflex system.

reflex

noun

    1. an immediate involuntary response, esp one that is innate, such as coughing or removal of the hand from a hot surface, evoked by a given stimulus
    2. ( as modifier ) See also reflex arc

      a reflex action

    1. a mechanical response to a particular situation, involving no conscious decision
    2. ( as modifier )

      a reflex response

  1. a reflection; an image produced by or as if by reflection
  2. a speech element derived from a corresponding form in an earlier state of the language

    "sorrow" is a reflex of Middle English "sorwe"

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. maths (of an angle) between 180° and 360°
  2. prenominal turned, reflected, or bent backwards
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. tr to bend, turn, or reflect backwards
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

reflex

  1. An involuntary physiological response to a stimulus, as the withdrawal of a body part from burning heat.
  2. An unlearned or instinctive response to a stimulus.
  3. Also called unconditioned response

reflex

  1. An action or movement not controlled by conscious thought. A reflex may be anything from a hiccup to the involuntary response of a body part, such as the action that occurs in the knee-jerk reflex .
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Derived Forms

  • ˌڱ澱ˈٲ, noun
  • ˈڱ澱, adjective
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Other Word Forms

  • f· adverb
  • f·Ա noun
  • ܱt·f noun
  • i·Э noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of reflex1

1500–10; < Latin reflexus bent back, past participle of reflectere to reflect
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Word History and Origins

Origin of reflex1

C16: from Latin reflexus bent back, from reflectere to reflect
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Like the rest of us, she has probably found herself closing an app, only to have the mortifying reflex to open the very same app one second later.

From

The president received neurological tests on his mental status, nerves, motor and sensory function and reflexes.

From

“Following the procedure, she was discharged in stable condition — awake, with stable vital signs and protective reflexes intact — into her mother’s care, following our standard post-anesthesia protocols,” according to the statement.

From

sets Ferran apart is the way she balances the play’s poetry and realism, moving with lightning reflexes from crushing naturalism to bold expressionism.

From

He was also convincing in their Europa League games and caught attention with his aerial prowess, reflexes, and distribution skills.

From

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