reflector

Everyday

A reflector is something with a shiny surface that sends light (or heat or sound) back towards where it came from, such as the small reflectors on bikes and bags. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and road safety reflectors on bikes, school bags, jackets and road signs make people visible to drivers at night when headlights shine on them. In science they show reflection of light: light bounces off shiny surfaces; telescopes and torches also use reflectors. Phrases: «bike reflector», «cat's eye reflectors», «reflector strips», «reflector vest».

Examples

• My bike has a red reflector at the back. tree →
• Wear a jacket with reflectors when you walk home in the dark. tree →
• The car's headlights lit up the reflectors on my bag. tree →
• Cat's eyes on the road are reflectors that show the lanes. tree →
• A torch has a shiny reflector behind the bulb. tree →
• The cyclist's reflectors glowed in the dark. tree →
• Reflectors do not make their own light; they bounce it back. tree →
• The telescope uses a big curved mirror as a reflector. tree →

Note

Countable: «a reflector». From «reflect» plus «-or». Trap: a reflector does not glow by itself; it only shines when light hits it, so you still need lights on a bike at night.