Reflex: meaning, definitions and examples

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reflex

 

[ rษชหˆflษ›ks ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

biological response

A reflex is an automatic and rapid response to a stimulus. It is a fundamental mechanism by which an organism reacts to its environment without conscious thought. Reflex actions are crucial for survival, as they allow for quick responses to potentially harmful situations. They involve the central nervous system and are often mediated by specific neural pathways. Observing reflexes is also essential in neurological examinations to assess a person's health.

Synonyms

reaction, reflex action, response

Examples of usage

  • The doctor tested my knee reflex.
  • A baby's grasp reflex is strong.
  • Reflex actions can prevent injuries.
Context #2 | Noun

photographic technique

In photography, a reflex refers to a type of camera mechanism that allows the photographer to see exactly what will be captured on the recording medium. This is achieved through a mirror that reflects the image from the lens into an optical viewfinder. SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras are the most common examples, giving photographers an accurate representation of their shot before taking a picture. This contrasts with other types of cameras where the viewfinder displays a separate image.

Synonyms

SLR, optical camera

Examples of usage

  • I prefer using a reflex camera for portraits.
  • The reflex mirror flips up when taking a photo.
  • Reflex cameras offer great versatility.

Translations

Translations of the word "reflex" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น reflexo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅเคฐเคคเคฟเคตเคฐเฅเคคเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Reflex

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ refleks

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั€ะตั„ะปะตะบั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ refleks

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅๅฐ„

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท rรฉflexe

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ reflejo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท refleks

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฐ˜์‚ฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุงู†ุนูƒุงุณ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ reflex

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ reflex

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅๅฐ„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ refleks

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ viรฐbragรฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั€ะตั„ะปะตะบั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ แƒ”แƒคแƒšแƒ”แƒฅแƒกแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ refleks

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ reflejo

Etymology

The word 'reflex' originates from the Latin 'reflexus', which means 'bent back' or 'turned back'. The term evolved within the context of physiology in the 17th century to describe the involuntary reactions of the body in response to stimuli. By the 18th century, it was being used in neurological studies to refer to the mechanisms underlying these automatic responses. In photography, the term was adopted in the 20th century to describe cameras featuring reflex mirrors, bridging the original meaning of reflection with modern imaging technology. The concept of a reflex encompasses a broad range of applications, from biological responses in living organisms to specific mechanical functions in devices like cameras.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,932 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.