4. Censure; reproach cast. He died; and oh! may no reflection shed Its poisonous venom on the royal dead. Prior.
5. (Physiol.)
Defn: The transference of an excitement from one nerve fiber to another by means of the nerve cells, as in reflex action. See Reflex action, under Reflex. Angle of reflection, the angle which anything, as a ray of light, on leaving a reflecting surface, makes with the perpendicular to the surface. — Angle of total reflection. (Opt.) Same as Critical angle, under Critical.
Syn. — Meditation; contemplation; rumination; cogitation; consideration; musing; thinking.
REFLECTIVE
Re*flect"ive (r*flkt"v), a. Etym: [Cf. F. réflectif. Cf. Reflexive.]
1. Throwing back images; as, a reflective mirror. In the reflective stream the sighing bride, viewing her charms. Prior.
2. Capable of exercising thought or judgment; as, reflective reason. Prior. His perceptive and reflective faculties . . . thus acquired a precocious and extraordinary development. Motley.
3. Addicted to introspective or meditative habits; as, a reflective person.
4. (Gram.)
Defn: Reflexive; reciprocal.
— Re*flect"ive*ly, adv.
— Re*flect"ive*ness, n. "Reflectiveness of manner." J. C. Shairp.