reflection-n; 6 Senses

Sense Number 1: propagation of waves back from a surface

Commentary: REFLECTION[+event][+physical][+bounce][+return][+wave][+electromagnetic/+acoustic]

Examples:
The reflections of the lights on the dancing water were lovely.
We are able to see because of the reflection of light off surfaces.
He could barely read the map from the reflections of the street lights.
The properties of reflection are different for these two ceramic tiles.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2, 5, 8

Sense Number 2: contemplation, deliberation, introspection

Commentary: REFLECTION[+activity][+mental][+contemplation]

Examples:
He made the decision without much reflection on the consequences.
The monk spent solitary hours in deep reflection about the cosmos.
Mary will need more time for reflection before giving them an answer.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 3: a manifestation, a characterization of something

Commentary: REFLECTION[+state][+manifestation][+characterization]

Examples:
It's a sad reflection on society that the elderly homeless are largely ignored.
The team's success was a nice reflection on their manager.
This scandal is no reflection on John's integrity.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 3

Sense Number 4: the mirror image of an object

Commentary: REFLECTION[+entity][+image][+mirror][+object]
NOTE: relates to Sense 1, but refers to the resulting image, not the process of bouncing back

Examples:
The baby smiled at her reflection in the mirror.
Many animals don't recognize their own reflections.
Vampires are said to have no reflection when you try to see them in a mirror.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 4

Sense Number 5: mathematical transformation of a set of points

Commentary: REFLECTION[+relation][+mapping][+transformation][+symmetric][+mathematical]
NOTE: refers to symmetric transformations of sets of points with respect to an axis of orientation.

Examples:
Diagram 2 illustrates the reflection of the rectangle to the left of the y-axis.
Bob had trouble conceptualizing the reflection of the geometric figure from its starting position.
Students learned about the reflection principle in set theory in their math class.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 6

Sense Number 6: communication of an observation, thought

Commentary: REFLECTION[+activity][+communication][+observation][+written/+spoken]
NOTE: implies communication with others (unlike Sense 2 which is internal)

Examples:
Many of his reflections on life and death are contained in this volume of poetry.
We were interested in John's reflections on his years in the Navy.
The two friends shared their reflections of the day over a cup of tea.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 7