retroreflector
[/ˌretroʊrɪˈflɛktər/]
nounpl: retroreflectors
retrorefletor
1. An optical device that reflects light back toward its source, regardless of the angle of incidence
The retroreflector on the bicycle ensures visibility at night by bouncing headlight beams back to drivers.
O retrorefletor na bicicleta garante visibilidade noturna refletindo os faróis de volta aos motoristas.
2. A corner reflector or cat's eye reflector used in surveying, safety equipment, and space applications
Astronauts placed retroreflectors on the moon to measure Earth-moon distance with lasers.
Os astronautas colocaram retrorefletores na lua para medir a distância Terra-lua com lasers.
3. Any reflective device designed to return light in the direction from which it came
Road signs often incorporate retroreflectors to make them visible in car headlights.
Placas de trânsito frequentemente incorporam retrorefletores para serem visíveis nos faróis de carros.
Retroreflectors are commonly seen in Brazilian and Portuguese road safety applications, particularly on bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrian gear. The term 'olho de gato' (cat's eye) is popular in casual Brazilian speech when referring to these safety devices. In the USA and technical contexts worldwide, 'retroreflector' is the standard term used in engineering, surveying, and space exploration industries.
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