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. 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

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

      a reflex response

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

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

adjective

1. maths (of an angle) between 180° and 360°
2. prenominal turned, reflected, or bent backwards

verb

1. tr to bend, turn, or reflect backwards

reflex

/ rē′flĕks′ /

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
4. See more at classical conditioning

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 .

Derived Forms

• reˌflexiˈbility, noun
• reˈflexible, adjective

Other Words From

• reflex·ly adverb
• reflex·ness noun
• multi·reflex noun
• semi·reflex noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of reflex¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of reflex¹

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

Example Sentences

By now it's partly reflex, operating from a fear of being called liberal.

From Salon

It’s three sophomores matching wits and finger reflexes.

From Los Angeles Times

That is no doubt because vision, hearing and reflexes fade as we age, and there’s a greater likelihood of cognitive decline, as well.

From Los Angeles Times

Dr Naji said the “reflex” when remains are found at a construction site was to destroy them as it can slow down the project and add additional cost.

From BBC

This causes muscles and reflexes to weaken and, in severe cases, can lead to paralysis and death, according to the CDC.

From Los Angeles Times