Skip to main content
refection

refection

9.9
A light meal or snack you eat between main meals
  • noun
  • /rɪˈfɛkʃən/
  • Archaic
translation icon : refrigerio
  • I think this is a good time for refection and for prayer ...

Examples

  • The meeting was long, but we took a short break for a refection of pastries and coffee.

  • She prepared a light refection of cheese and crackers for her guests before dinner.

  • I seem to be getting a strong refection of impulse, directly ahead, 50,000 miles.

  • After the long hike, we enjoyed a quick refection of fruit and sandwiches at the picnic site.

Synonyms

refreshment
vsrefection
53 1.8

Light food and drinks people serve at a meeting or event

is used more widely outside events and formal breaks
repast
vsrefection
6 9.1

A meal of food served and eaten at one time

is narrower, meaning a light snack or small meal
collation
vsrefection
  • Archaic
7.4

A light meal eaten between main meals

is used more generally for any light meal or snack
bever
vsrefection
  • Archaic
9.9

A small snack or drink taken between regular meals

is the modern common term for similar light snacks
light appetizer
vsrefection
3.2

A small not heavy dish served before the main meal to make you want to eat

is used for light eating at various times, not only before main meals

How Filling

feast
162 1.9
meal
1.0
refection
  • Archaic
9.9
snack
471 1.0

Surface Forms

refection singular
refections plural

Morphology

refection = effect (opaque) = fect + ion

The word 'refection' is derived from Latin roots and does not transparently relate to 'effect' in modern English.

Etymology

The word refection comes from Latin parts re- 'again' and facere 'to make', and is related to the English word refresh. A refection was a small meal to 'make you new' or to make you feel better, which is why it means a light snack or refreshment today.