Main Entry: re·fract

Pronunciation: \ri-ˈfrakt\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Latin refractus, past participle of refringere to break open, break up, from re- + frangere to break — more at break

Date: 1612

1 a : to subject (as a ray of light) to refraction b : to alter or distort as if by refraction <to refract that familiar world through the mind and heart of a romantic…woman — Anton Myrer>
2 : to determine the refracting power of