reflex

Reflex is defined as something that you do or think automatically, or a reflection.

(noun)

When something is flying at your head and you instinctively close your eyes without thinking about it, this is an example of a reflex.

The definition of reflex is something done automatically without thinking about it, or something reflected back.

(adjective)

Hiccuping is an example of something that would be described as a reflex action.

See reflex in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

1. reflection, as of light
2. light or color resulting from reflection
a reflected image, likeness, or reproduction
1. Physiol. a reflex action
2. any quick, automatic or habitual response
3. ability to react quickly and effectively: a boxer with good reflexes

Origin: < L reflexus, reflected, pp. of reflectere: see reflect

adjective

turned, bent, or reflected back
1. coming in reaction or reflection: a reflex effect
2. Physiol. designating or of an involuntary action, as a sneeze, resulting from a stimulus that is carried by an afferent nerve to a nerve center and the response that is reflected along an efferent nerve to some muscle or gland
Electronics designating or of a device, circuit, etc. that has two different functions
Geom. designating an angle greater than a straight angle (180°)

transitive verb

Related Forms:

See reflex in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Bent, turned, or thrown back; reflected.
Physiology Being an involuntary action or response, such as a sneeze, blink, or hiccup.
Produced as an automatic response or reaction: reflex opposition to change.

noun

a. Something, such as light or heat, that is reflected.
b. An image produced by reflection.
c. A copy or reproduction.
Physiology An involuntary response to a stimulus.
Psychology An unlearned or instinctive response to a stimulus.
Linguistics A form or feature that reflects or represents an earlier, often reconstructed, form or feature having undergone phonetic or other change.