v. 1 tr. a (of a surface or body) throw back (heat, light, sound, etc.). b cause to rebound (reflected light). 2 tr. (of a mirror) show an image of; reproduce to the eye or mind. 3 tr. correspond in appearance or effect to; have as a cause or source (their behaviour reflects a wish to succeed). 4 tr. a (of an action, result, etc.) show or bring (credit, discredit, etc.). b (absol.; usu. foll. by on, upon) bring discredit on. 5 a intr. (often foll. by on, upon) meditate on; think about. b tr. (foll. by that, how, etc. + clause) consider; remind oneself. 6 intr. (usu. foll. by upon, on) make disparaging remarks. reflecting telescope = REFLECTOR.
[ ME f. OF reflecter or L reflectere (as RE-, flectere flex- bend) ]