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reflex
This word carries a strong sense of immediacy and biological inevitability. It describes actions that bypass conscious thought, evoking a feeling of an electrical circuit closing instantly. In a medical or physical sense, it is neutral and descriptive, focusing on the mechanics of the nervous system.
When used to describe a person's skills, such as in sports or gaming, it takes on a positive connotation of agility and sharpness. It suggests a seamless connection between perception and action, where the body reacts before the mind has time to process the event.
Countable when referring to a specific bodily reaction like a blink. Uncountable when referring to the general quality of being quick-reacting.
Meanings
An automatic and rapid physical response to a stimulus that occurs without conscious thought.
The doctor tested the patient's knee reflex with a small hammer.
Examples
The doctor tested the patient's knee reflex with a small hammer.
The body has several reflex actions to protect itself from harm.
His reflex was to jump back when he saw the spider.