refract

re·fract

verb \ri-ˈfrakt\

Definition of REFRACT

transitive verb

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

Examples of REFRACT

1. Light is refracted when it hits water.

Origin of REFRACT

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

First Known Use: 1612

Rhymes with REFRACT

abstract, attract, class act, compact, contact, contract, crookbacked, detract, didact, diffract, distract, enact, entr'acte, epact, exact, extract, humpbacked, hunchbacked, impact, infract, intact, mossbacked, playact, protract, react, redact, retract, sex act, subtract, swaybacked, transact, unbacked