patellar reflex

noun

1. knee jerk.

Word History and Origins

Origin of patellar reflex¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

On this view, empathy is the emotional equivalent of a patellar reflex: while observing someone’s emotions, you can’t help but take those emotions on yourself.

From Scientific American

Facilitation of the patellar reflex or "knee jerk".

From Project Gutenberg

The most important of these—the centres for the rectal, the vesical, and the patellar reflexes—are situated in the lumbar enlargement.

From Project Gutenberg

The left plantar reflex was absent, the right slight, the left patellar reflex was abnormally brisk.

From Project Gutenberg

While the reflexes were being tested he volunteered the information that his left patellar reflex was very much stronger than the right.

From Project Gutenberg