Meaning

(transitive, physics) Of a medium, substance, object, etc.: to deflect the course of (light rays), esp. when they enter the medium, etc., at an oblique angle; to cause refraction of (light, other electromagnetic radiation, or sound or other wave phenomena)..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive, physics) Of a medium, substance, object, etc.: to deflect the course of (light rays), esp. when they enter the medium, etc., at an oblique angle; to cause refraction of (light, other electromagnetic radiation, or sound or other wave phenomena).
2. (transitive, figurative) To mediate; to alter; to distort.
3. (transitive, optics) To cause (light) to change direction as a result of entering a different medium.
4. (transitive, ophthalmology) To measure, and often also to correct with lenses, the refractive error of (an eye) or the eyes of (a person).

Example Sentences

A prism can refract light.

Word Forms

• refracts
• refracting
• refracted

Related Words

When Should You Use Refract?

Use refract when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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