refraction

re·frac·tion

noun \ri-ˈfrak-shən\

Definition of REFRACTION

1

: deflection from a straight path undergone by a light ray or energy wave in passing obliquely from one medium (as air) into another (as glass) in which its velocity is different

2

: the change in the apparent position of a celestial body due to bending of the light rays emanating from it as they pass through the atmosphere; also : the correction to be applied to the apparent position of a body because of this bending

3

: the action of distorting an image by viewing through a medium; also : an instance of this

Illustration of REFRACTION

First Known Use of REFRACTION

1603

Rhymes with REFRACTION

abstraction, attraction, bolt-action, class action, compaction, contraction, cross action, detraction, diffraction, distraction, exaction, extraction, impaction, inaction, infraction, job action, live-action, olfaction, protraction, reaction, redaction, retraction, stop-action, subtraction, transaction