Definition of: reflection

(ri·flek′shən) noun
1. The act of reflecting, or the state of being reflected.
2. Physics The throwing off or back (from a surface) of impinging light, heat, sound, or any form of radiant energy.
3. The result of reflecting; reflected rays or an image thrown by reflection.
4. Consideration of or meditation upon past knowledge or experience; thought: Reflection increases wisdom; also, its result: a wise reflection.
5. The casting of blame; censure.
6. Anat. The folding of a part upon itself; a fold, as in a membrane.
7. Reflex action, as of the nerves. Also spelled reflexion. [<OF reflexion <L reflexio, -onis]
—re·flec′tion·al or re·flex′ion·al adjective Synonyms: cogitation, consideration, contemplation, deliberation, meditation, musing, rumination, study, thinking, thought. See ANIMADVERSION, THOUGHT¹. Antonyms: carelessness, heedlessness, imprudence, inconsiderateness, negligence, thoughtlessness.