knee-jerk

[ nee-jurk ]
/ ˈniˌdʒɜrk /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR knee-jerk ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

of or relating to a knee-jerk.
Informal. reacting according to a certain habitual manner; unthinking: a knee-jerk liberal.

Origin of knee-jerk

First recorded in 1895–1900

Words nearby knee-jerk

knee-chest position, knee-deep, knee-elbow position, knee-high, knee-high to a grasshopper, knee-jerk, knee-jerk reflex, knee-length, knee-slapper, knee-socks, knee-sprung

Definition for knee-jerk (2 of 2)

knee jerk

noun

a reflex extension of the leg, caused by contraction of the quadriceps, resulting from a sharp tap on the patellar tendon; patellar reflex.

Origin of knee jerk

First recorded in 1875–80

Words related to knee-jerk

expected, predictable, reflex, spontaneous

Example sentences from the Web for knee-jerk

British Dictionary definitions for knee-jerk

knee jerk

noun

Also called: patellar reflex physiol an outward reflex kick of the lower leg caused by a sharp tap on the quadriceps tendon just below the patella

adjective kneejerk

made or occurring as a predictable and automatic response, without thought kneejerk support

Medical definitions for knee-jerk

knee jerk

n.

patellar reflex