retroreflective

American

[re-troh-ri-flek-tiv] / ˌrɛ troʊ rɪˈflɛk tɪv /

adjective

of or relating to a surface, material, or device retroreflector that reflects light or other radiation back to its source; reflective.

Other Word Forms

retroreflection noun

Etymology

Origin of retroreflective

First recorded in 1850–55; retro- + reflective

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The new e-bikes are equipped with full retroreflective coverings, cellphone holders with wireless charging and a 60-mile range.

From Washington Post • Mar. 20, 2023

The researchers taped retroreflective markers to two bull elephants’ trunks and put various items in front of them.

From Scientific American • Dec. 14, 2021

Their images are printed on retroreflective vinyl, a material employed in street signs that reflects intense direct light.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2020

Confocal scanning also provides a sizeable increase in signal and range when imaging retroreflective objects.

From Nature • Mar. 4, 2018

The glasses are equipped with a pair of small projectors and retroreflective screen used to create images.

From The Verge • Feb. 22, 2015

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023