1. A calm, lengthy, intent consideration
   "His reflections on philosophy were published in a collection of essays";
   - contemplation, reflexion [Brit], rumination, musing
    
2. The phenomenon of a propagating wave (light or sound) being thrown back from a surface
   "The reflection of light off the mirror created a dazzling effect";
   - reflexion [Brit]
    
3. The image of something as reflected by a mirror (or other reflective material)
   "he studied his reflection in the mirror";
   - reflexion [Brit]
    
4. A remark expressing careful consideration
   "His reflection on the nature of time was both profound and poetic";
   - observation, reflexion [Brit]
    
5. A sign or symptom; a way of showing something
   "the pulse is a reflection of the heart's condition";
   - expression, manifestation, reflexion [Brit]
    
6. A likeness in which left and right are reversed
   "The letter 'b' is a reflection of the letter 'd'";
   - mirror image, reflexion [Brit]
    
7. The ability to reflect beams or rays
   "The reflection of light off the lake's surface created a beautiful scene";
   - reflexion [Brit], reflectivity
    
8. (mathematics) a transformation in which the direction of one axis is reversed
   "The reflection of the point across the y-axis changed its x-coordinate from positive to negative"
    
9. (computing) the process or mechanism of determining the capabilities of an object at run-time
   "Java uses reflection to examine class properties dynamically"

Derived forms: reflections

Type of: alikeness [rare], comment, consideration, demo, demonstration, icon, image, input, likeness, physical phenomenon, physical property, picture, remark, similitude, transformation

Encyclopedia: Reflection