Search results for 'reflex':

reflex noun (reflexes) 1 (also reflex action) physiol a response to a sensory, physical or chemical stimulus, either a simple reflex which is a rapid automatic response (usually noxious) acting through local sensory cells linked to the spinal cord, or a conditioned reflex involving a slower brain-mediated response to prior learning or experience. 2 the ability to respond rapidly to a stimulus. 3 a reflected light, sound, heat, etc; b a reflected image. 4 a sign or expression of something. 5 linguistics a word or element of speech which has developed from a corresponding earlier form. adj 1 occurring as an automatic response without being thought about. 2 bent or turned backwards. 3 directed back on the source; reflected. 4 said of a thought: introspective. 5 math denoting an angle that is greater than 180° but less than 360°. Compare acute (adj 7), obtuse (sense 3). verb (reflexes, reflexed, reflexing) to bend something back.
ETYMOLOGY: 16c: from Latin reflexus bent back.

reflex noun (reflexes) 1 (also reflex action) physiol a response to a sensory, physical or chemical stimulus, either a simple reflex which is a rapid automatic response (usually noxious) acting through local sensory cells linked to the spinal cord, or a conditioned reflex involving a slower brain-mediated response to prior learning or experience. 2 the ability to respond rapidly to a stimulus. 3 a reflected light, sound, heat, etc; b a reflected image. 4 a sign or expression of something. 5 linguistics a word or element of speech which has developed from a corresponding earlier form. adj 1 occurring as an automatic response without being thought about. 2 bent or turned backwards. 3 directed back on the source; reflected. 4 said of a thought: introspective. 5 math denoting an angle that is greater than 180° but less than 360°. Compare acute (adj 7), obtuse (sense 3). verb (reflexes, reflexed, reflexing) to bend something back.
ETYMOLOGY: 16c: from Latin reflexus bent back.

reflex noun (reflexes) 1 (also reflex action) physiol a response to a sensory, physical or chemical stimulus, either a simple reflex which is a rapid automatic response (usually noxious) acting through local sensory cells linked to the spinal cord, or a conditioned reflex involving a slower brain-mediated response to prior learning or experience. 2 the ability to respond rapidly to a stimulus. 3 a reflected light, sound, heat, etc; b a reflected image. 4 a sign or expression of something. 5 linguistics a word or element of speech which has developed from a corresponding earlier form. adj 1 occurring as an automatic response without being thought about. 2 bent or turned backwards. 3 directed back on the source; reflected. 4 said of a thought: introspective. 5 math denoting an angle that is greater than 180° but less than 360°. Compare acute (adj 7), obtuse (sense 3). verb (reflexes, reflexed, reflexing) to bend something back.
ETYMOLOGY: 16c: from Latin reflexus bent back.