Definition

Describing a material or surface that reflects light back to its original source with little scattering.

Example

The road signs are made of retroreflective material to ensure they are visible at night.

Conversation

I just bought a new jacket that has retroreflective strips on it.

That's cool! I bet it helps you stay visible at night.

Exactly! I wanted something safe for biking in the dark.

Good choice! Safety first, right?

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Retroreflective → It is formed from "retro-" (meaning backward) and "reflective" (from Latin "reflectere", meaning to bend back). The word describes a surface that reflects light back to its source, particularly in a backward direction.

Memory Tip

Think of light being 'bent back' ('reflective') towards its source, and 'retro-' meaning backward — that's how retroreflective surfaces work.

Visually Confused Words