View synonyms for refract

refract

[ ri-frakt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

to subject to refraction.
to determine the refractive condition of (an eye).

refract

/ rɪˈfrækt /

verb

to cause to undergo refraction
to measure the refractive capabilities of (the eye, a lens, etc)

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Derived Forms

reˈfractable, adjective

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Other Words From

re·fracta·ble adjective
re·fracted·ly adverb
re·fracted·ness noun
nonre·fracting adjective
unre·fracted adjective
unre·fracting adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of refract¹

1605–15; < Latin refrāctus, past participle of refringere to break, force back, equivalent to re- re- + frac- (variant stem of frangere to break ) + -tus past participle suffix

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Word History and Origins

Origin of refract¹

C17: from Latin refractus broken up, from refringere , from re- + frangere to break

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Example Sentences

Ions in the air act like drops of mist; they refract sunshine and make rainbows after rain.

From Project Gutenberg

In the Phædrus, which is the supplement of the Symposion, he made it refract something approaching the splendor of truth revealed.

From Project Gutenberg

Because they refract the rays of light in the same manner as the rain drops.

From Project Gutenberg

I must get these reds to balance, or the whole thing will never refract properly at all.

From Project Gutenberg

Ammoniacal copper sulphate forms with picric acid yellow-green crystals which strongly refract the light.

From Project Gutenberg

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Ref. Pres.refractile

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