refractive

American  

[ri-frak-tiv] / rɪˈfræk tɪv /

adjective

1. of or relating to refraction.

2. Also having power to refract.

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Other Word Forms

• nonrefractive adjective
• nonrefractively adverb
• nonrefractiveness noun
• refractively adverb
• refractiveness noun
• unrefractive adjective
• unrefractively adverb
• unrefractiveness noun

Etymology

Origin of refractive

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

Example Sentences

There is a strange, refractive moment at the end of this Fanatics commercial where Kendall Jenner bets on the New England Patriots to win the Super Bowl.

From Slate • Feb. 8, 2026

“If somehow that feedback is broken, for example, if kids are exposed to only a certain kind of wavelength, then that can mess up your refractive development.”

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2025

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 • Jun. 6, 2024

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

From Science Daily • May 9, 2024

He's only in the door three seconds before he starts spouting some theory about spectral analysis and the refractive indices of protein substances, and he's carrying a big box full of books and papers.

From "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements