\Re*flec"tion\ (r?*fl?k"sh?n), n. [L. reflexio: cf.
F. r['e]flexion. See {Riflect}.] [Written also {reflexion}.]
1. The act of reflecting, or turning or sending back, or the
   state of being reflected. Specifically:
   (a) The return of rays, beams, sound, or the like, from a
       surface. See {Angle of reflection}, below.
             The eye sees not itself, But by reflection, by
             some other things.                --Shak.
   (b) The reverting of the mind to that which has already
       occupied it; continued consideration; meditation;
       contemplation; hence, also, that operation or power of
       the mind by which it is conscious of its own acts or
       states; the capacity for judging rationally,
       especially in view of a moral rule or standard.
             By reflection, . . . I would be understood to
             mean, that notice which the mind takes of its
             own operations, and the manner of them, by
             reason whereof there come to be ideas of these
             operations in the understanding.  --Locke.
             This delight grows and improves under thought
             and reflection.                   --South.
2. Shining; brightness, as of the sun. [Obs.] --Shak.
3. That which is produced by reflection. Specifically:
   (a) An image given back from a reflecting surface; a
       reflected counterpart.
             As the sun water we can bear, Yet not the sun,
             but his reflection, there.        --Dryden.
   (b) A part reflected, or turned back, at an angle; as, the
       reflection of a membrane.
   (c) Result of meditation; thought or opinion after
       attentive consideration or contemplation; especially,
       thoughts suggested by truth.
             Job's reflections on his once flourishing estate
             did at the same time afflict and encourage him.
                                               --Atterbury.
4. Censure; reproach cast.
         He died; and oh! may no reflection shed Its
         poisonous venom on the royal dead.    --Prior.
5. (Physiol.) 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.