Re*flec"tion (r?*fl?k"sh?n), n. [L.
reflexio: cf. F. réflexion. See Riflect.]
[Written also reflexion.] 1. The act of
reflecting, or turning or sending back, or the state of being
reflected. Specifically: (a) The return of
rays, beams, sound, or the like, from a surface. See Angle of
reflection, below.
The eye sees not itself,
But by reflection, by some other things.
Shak.
(b) The reverting of the mind to that which
has already occupied it; continued consideration; meditation;
contemplation; hence, also, that operation or power of the mind by
which it is conscious of its own acts or states; the capacity for
judging rationally, especially in view of a moral rule or
standard.
By reflection, . . . I would be understood to
mean, that notice which the mind takes of its own operations, and the
manner of them, by reason whereof there come to be ideas of these
operations in the understanding.
Locke.
This delight grows and improves under thought and
reflection.
South.
2. Shining; brightness, as of the sun.
[Obs.] Shak.
3. That which is produced by reflection.
Specifically: (a) An image given back from a
reflecting surface; a reflected counterpart.
As the sun water we can bear,
Yet not the sun, but his reflection, there.
Dryden.
(b) A part reflected, or turned back, at an
angle; as, the reflection of a membrane.
(c) Result of meditation; thought or opinion
after attentive consideration or contemplation; especially, thoughts
suggested by truth.
Job's reflections on his once flourishing estate
did at the same time afflict and encourage him.
Atterbury.
4. Censure; reproach cast.
He died; and oh! may no reflection shed
Its poisonous venom on the royal dead.
Prior.
5. (Physiol.) The transference of an
excitement from one nerve fiber to another by means of the nerve
cells, as in reflex action. See Reflex action, under
Reflex.
Angle of reflection, the angle which
anything, as a ray of light, on leaving a reflecting surface, makes
with the perpendicular to the surface. -- Angle of total
reflection. (Opt.) Same as Critical angle,
under Critical.
Syn. -- Meditation; contemplation; rumination; cogitation;
consideration; musing; thinking.