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