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refract

 - 4 dictionary results

re⋅fract

  [ri-frakt]
–verb (used with object)
1. to subject to refraction.
2. to determine the refractive condition of (an eye).
Use refract in a Sentence
Origin:
1605–15; < L refrāctus, ptp. of refringere to break, force back, equiv. to re- re- + frac- (var. s. of frangere to break ) + -tus ptp. suffix

Related forms:
re⋅fract⋅a⋅ble, adjective
re⋅fract⋅ed⋅ly, adverb
re⋅fract⋅ed⋅ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
Cite This Source Link To refract
re·fract   (rĭ-frākt')   
tr.v.   re·fract·ed, re·fract·ing, re·fracts

  1. To deflect (light, for example) from a straight path by refraction.

  2. To alter by viewing through a medium: "In the Quartet reality is refracted through a variety of eyes" (Elizabeth Kastor).

  3. Medicine To determine the refraction of (an eye, for example).


[Latin refringere, refrāct-, to break up : re-, re- + frangere, to break; see bhreg- in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: re·fract
Pronunciation: ri-'frakt
Function: transitive verb
1 : to subject (as a ray of light) to refraction
2 : to determine the refracting power of or abnormality of refraction in (as an eye or a lens)
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Cite This Source

refract re·fract (rĭ-frākt')
v. re·fract·ed, re·fract·ing, re·fracts

  1. To deflect something, especially light, from a straight path by refraction.

  2. To determine the refraction of an eye or a lens.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
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