reflection

 
Pronunciation: /rɪˈflɛkʃ(ə)n/

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] the throwing back by a body or surface of light, heat, or sound without absorbing it: the reflection of light
  • [count noun] an amount of light, heat, or sound that is reflected by a body or surface: the reflections from the street lamps gave them just enough light
  • [count noun] an image seen in a mirror or shiny surface: Marianne surveyed her reflection in the mirror
  • [count noun] a thing that is a consequence of or arises from something else: a healthy skin is a reflection of good health in general
  • [in singular] a thing bringing discredit to someone or something: it was a sad reflection on society that because of his affliction he was picked on
  • 2 [mass noun] serious thought or consideration: he doesn’t get much time for reflection
  • [count noun] an idea about something, especially one that is written down or expressed: reflections on human destiny and art
  • 3 [count noun] Mathematics the conceptual operation of inverting a system or event with respect to a plane, each element being transferred perpendicularly through the plane to a point the same distance the other side of it.

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French reflexion or late Latin reflexio(n-), from Latin reflex- 'bent back', from the verb reflectere