refractive

adjective

re·​frac·​tive ri-ˈfrak-tiv How to pronounce refractive (audio)
1
: having power to refract
2
: relating or due to refraction
refractively adverb
refractiveness noun
refractivity noun

Examples of refractive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But while the refractive application may provide an instant visual channel to Y2K, but its origins date back to the 1960s. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2024 This could take the form of an aerial lens used to magnify objects far away, or even a kind of refractive shield to scatter incoming enemy laser beams. Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 19 Jan. 2017 French realized that refractive details look better in the spotlight—literally. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 29 Dec. 2023 The filament consists of an inner core and an outer cladding of two versions of the hydrogel with different refractive properties, yet the fiber is only about one millimeter in diameter. IEEE Spectrum, 1 Nov. 2023 Eyeglasses or contact lenses can make a huge difference in one’s quality of life by correcting refractive errors, which affect 150 million Americans. Bernard J. Wolfson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Oct. 2023 The only way to make lenses smaller and better is to replace refractive lenses with a different technology. IEEE Spectrum, 21 May 2023 Contact lenses on the other hand sit directly on the eye's surface and achieve vision correction by altering the way light enters the eye, effectively offsetting refractive errors and helping in focusing light accurately onto the retina. Nicole F. Roberts, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023 The refractive polish is at once classic and playful—ideal for a day spent in the company of loved ones. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'refractive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of refractive was in 1673

Dictionary Entries Near refractive

Cite this Entry

“Refractive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refractive. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

refractive

adjective
re·​frac·​tive ri-ˈfrak-tiv How to pronounce refractive (audio)
1
: having power to refract
a refractive lens
2
: relating to or due to refraction
refractive phenomena
refractive dispersion of light
refractively adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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