[re.flex] n [L reflexus, pp. of reflectere to reflect] (1508) 1 a: reflected heat, light, or color b: a mirrored image c: a copy exact in essential or peculiar features
2. a: an automatic and often inborn response to a stimulus that involves a nerve impulse passing inward from a receptor to a nerve center and thence outward to an effector (as a muscle or gland) without reaching the level of consciousness--compare habit b: the process that culminates in a reflex and comprises reception, transmission, and reaction--called also reflex action c pl: the power of acting or responding with adequate speed d: a way of thinking or behaving
3: a linguistic element (as a word or sound) or system (as writing) that is derived from a prior and esp. an older element or system
[2]reflex adj [L reflexus] (1649) 1: directed back on the mind or its operations: introspective
2: bent, turned, or directed back: reflected "a stem with ~ leaves"
3: produced or carried out in reaction, resistance, or return
4. of an angle: being between 180 degrees and 360 degrees
5: of, relating to, or produced by a reflex without intervention of consciousness -- re.flex.ly adv