reflector

noun

re·​flec·​tor ri-ˈflek-tər 

1

: one that reflects

especially : a polished surface for reflecting light or other radiation

2

: a telescope in which the principal focusing element is a mirror

Examples of reflector in a Sentence

safety devices such as bicycle reflectors

Reflectors are placed along the lanes of the highway.

Recent Examples on the Web

Linear Fresnel reflectors: Long, thin mirrors that focus sunlight to heat a liquid and power a steam generator. —Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025

The lander will also deploy a laser reflector array that will help scientists measure the Earth-moon distance. —Brett Tingley, Space.com, 24 Jan. 2025

The upcycled truck reflector is on the inside of these bags, functioning as a handle for the metal mirror supplied. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019

Antennas, trusses, and large reflectors would all be developed and assembled on orbit without human intervention. —IEEE Spectrum, 14 June 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for reflector

• bisector
• collector
• connector
• corrector
• defector
• deflector
• detector
• director
• dissector
• effector
• ejector
• elector

Kids Definition

reflector

noun

re·​flec·​tor ri-ˈflek-tər 

1

: one that reflects

especially : a polished surface for reflecting light or heat

2

: a telescope in which the principal light-gathering element is a mirror

Medical Definition

reflector

noun

re·​flec·​tor ri-ˈflek-tər 

: one that reflects

especially : a polished surface for reflecting light or other radiation