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.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See reflex in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

    1. reflection, as of light
    2. light or color resulting from reflection
  1. 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

  1. 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
  2. Electronics designating or of a device, circuit, etc. that has two different functions
  3. Geom. designating an angle greater than a straight angle (180°)

transitive verb

  1. to bend, turn, or fold back
  2. to cause to undergo a reflex process

Related Forms:

See reflex in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Bent, turned, or thrown back; reflected.
  2. Physiology Being an involuntary action or response, such as a sneeze, blink, or hiccup.
  3. Produced as an automatic response or reaction: reflex opposition to change.
noun
  1. a. Something, such as light or heat, that is reflected.
    b. An image produced by reflection.
    c. A copy or reproduction.
  2. Physiology An involuntary response to a stimulus.
  3. Psychology An unlearned or instinctive response to a stimulus.
  4. Linguistics A form or feature that reflects or represents an earlier, often reconstructed, form or feature having undergone phonetic or other change.
transitive verb (rĭ-flĕksˈ) re·flexed, re·flex·ing, re·flex·es
  1. To bend, turn back, or reflect.
  2. To cause to undergo a reflex process.

Origin:

Origin: From Middle English reflexen, to refract light, bend back

Origin: , from Latin reflexus

Origin: , past participle of reflectere, to bend back; see reflect

.

Learn more about reflex

link/cite print suggestion box