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Glite Dictionary
interreflection

interreflection

9.9
Light that bounces back and forth between two or more surfaces
  • noun
  • /ˌɪntərɪˈflɛkʃən/
  • Specialized
: interreflexión
  • When two mirrors face each other, repeated interreflection creates a tunnel of images.

Examples

  • The lighting model accounts for interreflection between walls, making the room look more realistic.

  • The interreflection of light creates beautiful patterns.

  • In thin lenses, interreflection between the surfaces can cause slight optical artifacts.

  • In the gallery, the interreflections between the mirrors are stunning.

  • When light hits two polished surfaces, interreflection creates intriguing patterns that can be visually striking.

  • In a mirrored room, interreflection causes endless reflections, creating a mesmerizing effect.

  • The architect designed the space to maximize interreflection, enhancing the overall brightness of the room.

Surface Forms

interreflection singular
interreflections plural

Morphology

interreflection = reflection (transparent) = inter + reflect + ion

Formed by productive prefix 'inter-' (between/mutual) attached to 'reflection', so meaning is directly derivable though it is a technical term.

Etymology

Interreflection comes from inter- meaning 'between' and reflection from reflect, which means 'to send back' or 'bend back'. Think of two mirrors facing each other: light bounces back and forth between them, and that back-and-forth is exactly what interreflection means.