refractor

American  

[ri-frak-ter] / rɪˈfræk tər /

noun

1. a person or thing that refracts.

2. telescope1

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refractor British  

/ rɪˈfræktə /

noun

1. an object or material that refracts

2. another name for refracting telescope

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Etymology

Origin of refractor

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

Explanation

A refractor is a kind of lens that bends light to form a focused image. A telescope that uses this type of lens to bring distant objects into view is also known as a refractor. The word refractor comes from refract, "to break or bend the natural course." In the case of a telescope, it's light that's being refracted, or bent, as it passes through a lens. A second lens magnifies the image, making it possible to see distant stars and planets. Today, most large telescopes used by astronomers to see very distant objects are reflecting telescopes that use mirrors rather than refractors.

Example Sentences

I also “invest” in collecting rookie/prospect refractor cards.

From Slate • Apr. 12, 2022

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

From Scientific American • Mar. 31, 2021

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

From Fox News • May 21, 2020

One problem with a refracting telescope is that the light must pass through the lens of a refractor.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

In the refractor the observer looks toward the object; in the reflector he looks away from it.

From Pleasures of the telescope An Illustrated Guide for Amateur Astronomers and a Popular Description of the Chief Wonders of the Heavens for General Readers by Serviss, Garrett Putman