refractor

[ ri-frak-ter ]

noun

1. a person or thing that refracts.
2. telescope1

refractor

/ rɪˈfræktə /

noun

1. an object or material that refracts
2. another name for refracting telescope

Word History and Origins

Origin of refractor¹

First recorded in 1630–40; refract + -or ²

Example Sentences

And it’s no accident, we're using the word “man” since, for 50 years, access to the great refractor was limited strictly to men.

From Scientific American

In 1655 Dutch astronomer Christiaan Huygens set up a refractor telescope of his own construction and aimed it at Saturn.

From Scientific American

According to Beckett, the Trout red refractor is the second rarest version of the Angels’ superstar’s card.

From Fox News

“My old trusty refractor. Just came in the mail today. This is what I used to do when I was your age, boys. I’d almost forgotten about it until I came down to your range.”

From Literature

Roughly 12 percent were flagged as having weak vision and sent to an adjacent classroom where workers using refractor lenses conducted more tests.

From Seattle Times