refractivity

[ ree-frak-tiv-i-tee ]

noun

1. the power to refract.

Word History and Origins

Origin of refractivity¹

refractive + -ity

Example Sentences

Here the chemist has only succeeded in making a paste or glass having limpidity and a somewhat high refractivity, but wanting the hardness and “fire” of the real stone.

From Project Gutenberg

This low refractivity is noteworthy as strongly antagonistic to the view at one time favoured by eminent chemists that argon was a condensed form of nitrogen represented by N3.

From Project Gutenberg

Boron dissolves in molten aluminium, and on cooling, transparent, almost colourless crystals are obtained, possessing a lustre, hardness and refractivity near that of the diamond.

From Project Gutenberg

Glasses can now be made differing considerably both in refractivity and dispersive power.

From Project Gutenberg

In this case small temperature changes alter the refractivity of the liquid without appreciably affecting the quartz.

From Project Gutenberg