释义 |
re·flec·tion I. \rə̇ˈflekshən, rēˈf-\ noun (-s) Etymology: Middle English, alteration (influenced by reflecten to reflect) of reflexion, from Middle French, from Late Latin reflexion-, reflexio action of bending back, from Latin reflexus (past participle of reflectere to reflect, bend back) + -ion-, -io -ion 1. : the partial or complete return of a wave motion (as of light or sound) from a surface that it encounters into the medium that it originally traversed and in a manner that is usually diffuse or irregular — compare specular reflection 2. : the production of an image by or as if by a mirror < the eye sees not itself but by reflection — Shakespeare > < the officers were a reflection of their men, more restrained — John Steinbeck > 3. a. : the action of bending or folding back b. : a reflected part < the mesentery is a reflection of the peritoneum > : fold 4. : something produced by reflecting: a. : reflected light or heat b. : reflected brilliance (as of wit) or warmth (as of emotion) < joy is only the reflection of what is sought, a will-o'-the wisp — Gouverneur Paulding > c. : an image given back by a reflecting surface : a reflected counterpart d. : an effect produced by an influence < reflections of ancient Celtic legend in Italian literature > 5. : reproach cast or brought to bear : censure, blame, imputation < the reflections on certain named persons' chastity and honesty — Geographical Journal > 6. : a thought, idea, or opinion formed or a remark made as a result of meditation < random reflections and essays by one of our finest stylists — Orville Prescott > 7. a. : consideration of some subject matter, idea, or purpose often with a view to understanding or accepting it or seeing it in its right relations < as … walking gave him a better chance for reflection, the prospect slowly brightened — John Buchan > b. : introspective contemplation of the contents or qualities of one's own thoughts or remembered experiences < reflection can be practiced on every experience — Edmund Husserl > 8. obsolete : turning back : return 9. obsolete : relation, connection 10. obsolete : recollection II. noun 1. : a transformation of a figure in which each point is replaced by a point symmetric with respect to a line or plane 2. : a transformation that involves reflection in more than one axis of a rectangular coordinate system |