Reminiscence (rm-nssens), n.
Etymology: [F. réminiscence, L. reminiscentia.]
1. The act or power of recalling past experience; the state of being reminiscent; remembrance; memory. The other part of memory, called reminiscence, which is the retrieving of a thing at present forgot, or but confusedly remembered. South. I forgive your want of reminiscence, since it is long since I saw you. Sir W. Scott.
2. That which is remembered, or recalled to mind; a statement or narration of remembered experience; a recollection; as, pleasing or painful reminiscences.
Syn. -- Remembrance; recollection. See Memory.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for reminiscence; he lists it under memory.
Where he writes about it:
Reminiscence is a half-dreamy memory of scenes or events long past; retrospection is a distinct turning of the mind back upon the past, bringing long periods under survey. — from memory
Retrospection is to reminiscence much what recollection is to remembrance. — from memory