refract

[ ri-frakt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to subject to refraction.
2. to determine the refractive condition of (an eye).

refract

/ rɪˈfrækt /

verb

1. to cause to undergo refraction
2. to measure the refractive capabilities of (the eye, a lens, etc)

Derived Forms

• reˈfractable, adjective

Other Words From

• re·fracta·ble adjective
• re·fracted·ly adverb
• re·fracted·ness noun
• nonre·fracting adjective
• unre·fracted adjective
• unre·fracting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of refract¹

1605–15; < Latin refrāctus, past participle of refringere to break, force back, equivalent to re- re- + frac- (variant stem of frangere to break ) + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of refract¹

C17: from Latin refractus broken up, from refringere , from re- + frangere to break

Example Sentences

Democritus believed that light refracting through atoms caused the phenomenon that we perceive and describe conventionally, or by mutual agreement, as color.

From Salon

“Brat” was the critical and commercial peak of Charli’s career, and the academy rewarded her up and down the program, with a second-highest seven nominations for a messy meta-rave about how fame refracts femininity.

From Los Angeles Times

Susan Seidelman’s new memoir, ‘Desperately Seeking Something,’ traces the arc of American film over the last 45 years as refracted through her singular career.

From Los Angeles Times

In the retina of an animal's eye, there is a small pit called the fovea that refracts the light entering the eye.

From Science Daily

If I’m being completely honest, I had hoped that Jackson Browne would be the celeb pal to sing “Come Monday” this evening — refracting Buffett’s most tender composition through his soft-rock pedigree and “These Days” poignancy.

From Los Angeles Times