English · Body & Health
reflex
/ˈriː.fleks/
[/ˈriː.fleks/]
automatic reaction
Intermediatenoun
Definition
An automatic, involuntary movement made by the body in response to a stimulus, without conscious thought.
Example
The doctor tapped his knee with a hammer to test whether his reflexes were working normally.
The doctor tapped his knee with a hammer to test whether his reflexes were working normally.
Etymology
From Latin 'reflexus', past participle of 'reflectere' meaning 'to bend back'.
How & Where It’s Used
Common in medical settings and everyday speech, also figuratively for a quick, instinctive response.