Agency Dictionary

Deflector

nounPronunciation: /dɪˈflɛk.tər/

In Portuguese: Defletor

Technology & AI

What does “Deflector” mean?

A device or shield designed to redirect the path of an oncoming particle, projectile, or beam of energy. In science fiction, it denotes protective barriers.

Etymology

Formed from the verb deflect with the agent suffix -or. Deflect comes from Latin deflectere, "to bend aside", made of de-, "away", and flectere, "to bend", the verb behind flex, flexible and reflect. The verb has been in English since the 16th century; the noun belongs to the vocabulary of engineering, where it names a plate or device that turns aside a flow of air, gas, liquid or particles. Science fiction took it up for imagined protective shields.

Usage note

Used as a noun and, before another noun, as a modifier: deflector plate, deflector shield. The related noun is spelled deflection, and in older British texts deflexion.

Synonyms

baffle
shield
diverter
screen

Often confused with

reflector: A reflector sends light, sound or heat back toward where it came from; a deflector only turns the flow aside into another direction.

Word family

deflect
deflection
deflective
deflected

Rhymes with

sector
vector
director
collector
inspector
protector
nectar

Usage examples

In an agile ascent, he took the deflector shield staff from his downed colleague's hand, activated the device, and a semitransparent blue diamond-shaped barrier appeared on his arm.

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Issue.14 - ZephyrApril 30, 2023Read the edition

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