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Reflector Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reflector

[rɪˈflɛktər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

road safety

A reflector is a device that reflects light and helps increase visibility, especially at night or in low light conditions. Reflectors are commonly used on bicycles, motorcycles, and road signs.

Synonyms

reflective device, reflector strip.

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Word Description / Examples
reflector

Generally used to describe any device or surface that reflects light, sound, or other forms of energy. Often used in technical, scientific, or everyday settings.

  • The reflector on my bike helps cars see me at night.
  • Astronomers use large reflectors in their telescopes to observe distant stars.
reflector strip

Typically used to describe a strip of material with reflective properties, often for safety purposes. Commonly found on clothing, vehicles, or road signs.

  • The construction worker's vest has a bright orange color and several reflector strips for visibility.
  • Reflector strips on the running shoes help runners be seen in low-light conditions.
reflective device

Used more specifically to refer to a device designed to reflect light or other forms of energy for various applications. Often used in technical or safety contexts.

  • The reflective device on the side of the road improves visibility during foggy conditions.
  • Engineers installed reflective devices on the building to manage sunlight and reduce heat.

Examples of usage

  • The reflectors on his bicycle made him more visible to drivers at night.
  • Make sure your jacket has reflectors to stay safe while cycling in the dark.
Context #2 | Noun

optics

In optics, a reflector is a surface that reflects light or sound waves. Reflectors are used in telescopes, microscopes, and other optical instruments to redirect and focus light.

Synonyms

mirror, specular surface.

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Word Description / Examples
reflector

Often used in situations involving safety, visibility, and light redirection, such as on bicycles, vehicles, and street signs to reflect light back to its source.

  • Bicycles should have reflectors to increase visibility at night
  • The road signs were equipped with reflectors for better nighttime visibility
mirror

Used for an object typically made of glass with a reflective coating, generally found in homes, bathrooms, and personal care settings to see one's own image.

  • She checked her appearance in the bathroom mirror
  • The car had a rearview mirror
specular surface

Used in more technical or scientific contexts, describing surfaces that reflect light in a single direction, often used in physics, optics, or material science to describe ideal reflective properties.

  • The laboratory used a specular surface to measure the intensity of reflected light
  • Mirrors are an example of an almost perfect specular surface

Examples of usage

  • The telescope's reflector helped capture clear images of the stars.
  • The reflector in the microscope enhanced the visibility of the specimen.
Context #3 | Noun

photography

In photography, a reflector is a tool used to bounce light onto a subject. Reflectors help control lighting and reduce shadows in pictures.

Synonyms

light bounce, light reflector.

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Word Description / Examples
reflector

Can also refer to scientific and technical contexts, such as telescopes and lasers, where precision in reflecting light is necessary.

  • The telescope uses a large reflector to capture distant light
  • Engineers tested a new type of reflector for the laser system
light bounce

Often used in photography and cinematography to describe the action or technique of bouncing light using a reflective surface to achieve a desired lighting effect.

  • The photographer used a white wall for light bounce to soften the shadows
  • We need a large board for a better light bounce in this shot
light reflector

Primarily used in professional settings such as photography, filmmaking, or stage design to specify equipment used to reflect light onto a subject.

  • We set up a light reflector to brighten up the actor's face
  • She adjusted the light reflector to eliminate the shadows

Examples of usage

  • The photographer used a reflector to soften the harsh sunlight on the model's face.
  • Adding a reflector to the setup improved the overall lighting of the photo.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • Reflectors are essential in telescopes, allowing astronomers to gather light from distant stars.
  • In optics, different materials can act as reflectors depending on their surface texture, affecting how light bounces.
  • Reflective surfaces can enhance visibility, such as in road safety signs, improving nighttime driving.

Technology

  • Reflectors are used in solar panels to increase efficiency by directing sunlight to the solar cells.
  • In communication, they work in technologies like radar and fiber optics to redirect signals back to their source.
  • LED reflectors are used in lighting to focus and enhance the distribution of light in spaces.

Art

  • Reflective art installations, like mirrors, can create immersive experiences that play with perception and reality.
  • Artists may use reflective materials to symbolize self-examination and introspection in their works.
  • Some sculptures are designed to reflect their surroundings, prompting viewers to engage with the environment around them.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, reflective surfaces often symbolize deeper themes, like self-discovery or hidden truths.
  • Reflectors appear in music videos to create captivating light effects, enhancing the visual storytelling.
  • Video games sometimes have reflective surfaces, allowing players to see their actions reflected in the game world.

Origin of 'reflector'

Main points about word origin

  • The term derives from the Latin word 'reflectere,' which means 'to bend back.'
  • The 'reflect-' part of the word suggests a backward movement, key to its function.
  • The suffix '-or' indicates an agent which causes an action, denoting it as something that reflects.

The word 'reflector' originated from the Latin word 'reflectere', which means 'to bend back'. The concept of reflection has been around for centuries, with early civilizations using polished surfaces to reflect light. Reflectors have played a crucial role in various fields, from road safety to optical instruments, enhancing visibility and directing light effectively.

See also: reflect, reflectance, reflecting, reflection, reflective, reflectively, reflectiveness, reflectivity.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,411, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.