— reflexly , adv. — reflexness , n.
adj. , n. /ree"fleks/ ; v. /ri fleks"/ , adj.
1. Physiol. noting or pertaining to an involuntary response to a stimulus, the nerve impulse from a receptor being transmitted inward to a nerve center that in turn transmits it outward to an effector.
2. occurring in reaction; responsive.
3. cast back; reflected, as light, color, etc.
4. bent or turned back.
5. designating a radio apparatus in which the same circuit or part performs two functions.
n.
6. Physiol.
a. Also called reflex act . movement caused by a reflex response.
b. Also called reflex action . the entire physiological process activating such movement.
7. any automatic, unthinking, often habitual behavior or response.
8. the reflection or image of an object, as exhibited by a mirror or the like.
9. a reproduction, as if in a mirror.
10. a copy; adaptation.
11. reflected light, color, etc.
12. Historical Ling. an element in a language, as a sound, that has developed from a corresponding element in an earlier form of the language: The ( o ) in "stone" is a reflex of Old English a.
13. a reflex radio receiver.
14. a reflex camera.
v.t.
15. to subject to a reflex process.
16. to bend, turn, or fold back.
17. to arrange in a reflex system.
[ 1500-10; reflexus bent back, ptp. of reflectere to REFLECT ]