refract

verb

re·​fract ri-ˈfrakt 

refracted; refracting; refracts

transitive verb

1

a

: to subject (something, such 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 in a Sentence

Light is refracted when it hits water.

Recent Examples on the Web

Influenced by the cupolas on basilicas across Rome, the brand’s trademark vibrant cabochons — smooth, rounded stones that don’t refract light the way faceted gems do — became ubiquitous. —Lindsay Talbot, New York Times, 14 May 2024

The particles may also refract and otherwise scramble signals from the global positioning system, according to Rob Steenburgh, a space scientist with NOAA. —Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 10 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

refract

verb

re·​fract ri-ˈfrakt 

: to cause to go through refraction

Medical Definition

refract

transitive verb

re·​fract ri-ˈfrakt 

1

: to subject (as a ray of light) to refraction

2

: to determine the refracting power of or abnormality of refraction in (as an eye or a lens)