line of reflection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "line of reflection" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in geometry to refer to a line that acts as a mirror, where a figure is reflected across it. Example: "To create the mirror image of the triangle, draw a line of reflection and then plot the corresponding points on the opposite side."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

This line of reflection culminated in Camus applying the philosophy of the absurd in new, social directions, and in answering new, historical questions.

SEP

It has been following this line of reflection that Raine Mäntysalo suggested to me to explore the use of the concept of "boundary objects" formulated by Star and Griesemer to explain the positive results of interaction between groups either in conflict or with opposing objectives (Star and Griesemer 1989) in unstable environments.

City, Territory and Architecture

At this position, you can hear the sound best because your ear is in the line of reflection.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Any Penrose tiling has local pentagonal symmetry, in the sense that there are points in the tiling surrounded by a symmetric configuration of tiles: such configurations have fivefold rotational symmetry about the center point, as well as five mirror lines of reflection symmetry passing through the point, a dihedral symmetry group.

Wikipedia

It is true that when '…sex, science, and morals of society intersect.' (author's note, page xiii), everybody has something to say, but other lines of reflection could have been, in my view, more fecund for the lay public.

British Journal of Cancer

The historical analysis of the formulation of the current membrane model is not only relevant to those interested in membranes: it may also provide some lines of reflection on early evolution, the minimal cell concept, the origins of life and synthetic life.

Biology Direct

The upper left figure shows the trace map view of the USDP-4 borehole, the profile, and the CMP line of the reflection survey.

Earth, Planets and Space

Ike et al. (2008) revealed regional and local variations in basement relief, sediment thickness and sediment type in the Shikoku Basin by using 40 lines of seismic reflection data.

Earth, Planets and Space

Images of a city underwater, collapsed bridges and people clinging to power lines sustained months of reflection and dialogue on underdeveloped warning systems and minimal government response.

Huffington Post

Thick lines are theoretical values of reflection coefficients calculated using ak135 (Kennett et al., 1995).

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

In the case (b) the thick black lines are also axes of reflection.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience (JMN)

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing geometrical transformations, ensure that the "line of reflection" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity in the reflected image.

Common error

Avoid using "line of reflection" when you actually mean "line of thought" or another abstract concept. The phrase is most appropriate in contexts involving literal reflection or symmetry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "line of reflection" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It describes a specific type of line in geometric contexts. Ludwig shows several examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

Wiki

20%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "line of reflection" is a noun phrase primarily used in geometric contexts to describe an axis across which a mirror image is formed. Ludwig indicates that it is grammatically correct but relatively rare in usage. Its communicative purpose is to define or identify this specific type of line, and its register varies from formal and scientific in academic papers to neutral in general discussions. While the phrase is most commonly found in science-related content, its presence in wiki and news sources demonstrates broader applicability. Related terms include "axis of symmetry" and "mirror line", offering alternative ways to express the same geometric concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mirror line

This alternative is a more direct and simpler way to describe a line acting as a mirror.

axis of symmetry

This alternative focuses specifically on the geometrical aspect, emphasizing the symmetrical properties.

symmetry axis

Similar to 'axis of symmetry', this term emphasizes the symmetrical aspect in a more concise way.

plane of reflection

This alternative is useful when referring to a two-dimensional plane rather than a one-dimensional line.

reflection plane

Similar to 'plane of reflection', but with a more concise phrasing.

reflection boundary

Focuses on the border at which reflection occurs, rather than the line itself.

line of thought

This alternative changes the context from physical reflection to a sequence of ideas or reasoning.

course of reasoning

This alternative relates to the cognitive process of logical thinking, diverging from visual imagery.

direction of reasoning

This shifts the focus to the path or orientation that thoughts are taking, not a mirrored image.

thought trajectory

This evokes the idea of a path or direction that thought follows, providing a metaphorical alternative.

FAQs

How is a "line of reflection" used in geometry?

In geometry, a "line of reflection" is a line across which a figure is reflected to create a mirror image. Each point in the original figure has a corresponding point on the opposite side of the line, equidistant from it.

What is another term for "line of reflection"?

Synonyms for "line of reflection" include "axis of symmetry" and "mirror line", particularly when referring to geometric shapes and transformations.

Can "line of reflection" be used metaphorically?

While primarily used in geometry, "line of reflection" can sometimes be used metaphorically to suggest a point of critical examination or turning point, but this is less common than its literal usage. Consider using "line of thought" if you're aiming for an abstract concept.

Is there a difference between "line of reflection" and "plane of reflection"?

Yes, a "line of reflection" is a one-dimensional line, while a "plane of reflection" is a two-dimensional plane. The term used depends on whether the reflection is occurring across a line or a plane.