reflex

/ˈriːflɛks/
verb
  1. To bend, turn, or direct back; to reflect.
    • The sound waves reflexed off the canyon walls.
    • The mirror reflexed the light across the room.
    • The polished floor reflexed the image of the chandelier.
noun
  1. An automatic, involuntary response of the body to a stimulus.
    • When the doctor tapped his knee, his leg kicked as a reflex.
    • Blinking when something flies toward your eye is a natural reflex.
    • Pulling your hand away from a hot stove is a reflex.
  2. A quick, instinctive reaction or ability to respond rapidly.
    • The goalkeeper's reflexes saved the goal.
    • Her reflexes were so fast she caught the falling glass before it hit the floor.
    • Driving in heavy traffic requires good reflexes.
adjective
  1. Occurring as an automatic, involuntary response; not controlled by conscious thought.
    • The reflex action of sneezing helps clear the nose.
    • She had a reflex flinch when the car backfired.
    • He gave a reflex smile when he heard the joke.
  2. Relating to or produced by a reflex action.
    • The doctor tested the patient's reflex responses.
    • The reflex arc is the neural pathway that controls a reflex action.
    • Reflex movements are controlled by the spinal cord, not the brain.
Antonyms
What does "reflex" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean