refractive

[ ri-frak-tiv ]

adjective

1. of or relating to refraction.
2. Also having power to refract.

Other Words From

• re·fractive·ly adverb
• re·fractive·ness noun
• nonre·fractive adjective
• nonre·fractive·ly adverb
• nonre·fractive·ness noun
• unre·fractive adjective
• unre·fractive·ly adverb
• unre·fractive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of refractive¹

First recorded in 1665–75, refractive is from the Late Latin word refrāctīvus (of pronouns) reflexive. See refract, -ive

Example Sentences

The ensemble was excited by a linearly polarized green laser with a wavelength of 532 nanometers, and a high refractive index hemispherical lens was used to enhance the collection efficiency of the laser-induced fluorescence.

From Science Daily

"Excitons are very sensitive to the charge density in the material, and therefore we can change the refractive index of the material by applying a voltage," says Van de Groep.

From Science Daily

"Metalens-integrated cameras can be directly incorporated into the imaging modules of smartphones, where they could replace the traditional refractive bulk lenses," said Chen.

From Science Daily

However, the resin utilized as the printing material suffers from a drawback -- a low refractive index, hindering efficient light manipulation.

From Science Daily

In this case, the refractive index of the material, or how much light bends or deviates from its original path when is passes through, changed dramatically with atomic disorder.

From Science Daily