refract

verb

re·​fract ri-ˈfrakt How to pronounce refract (audio)
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 … womanAnton Myrer
2
: to determine the refracting power of

Example Sentences

Light is refracted when it hits water.
Recent Examples on the Web The violence refracts light and crashes into other violences. Hazlitt, 17 May 2023 The water vapor refracts the intense glare of headlights back toward the driver in a way that actually decreases visibility. Michelle Hart, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2023 In eyes with regular vision, the cornea refracts incoming light precisely onto the retina at the back of the eye. Conor Feehly, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2023 Their every move is broken down ad nauseam, scrutinized in slow motion, refracted through the eyes of analysts and commentators. Andrew Keh, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2023 The effect is not unlike that of 2019’s competing documentaries about the viral quagmire known as Fyre Festival, with the same details refracted through distinct sensibilities. Alison Herman, Variety, 25 Apr. 2023 The filmmakers set Franklin up in a posh chair in front of a big window with drawn shades refracting translucent skyline. Matt Wake | Mwake@al.com, al, 22 Apr. 2023 Not only is Pink Floyd's 1973 progressive rock album, The Dark Side of the Moon, iconic, but so is its simple yet striking cover art: a triangular prism set against a black background with a ray of light refracting through it. David Chiu, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2023 People who get a little rain on Monday or Tuesday night might also get to spot a moonbow, which is like a solar rainbow but produced by moonlight when it’s refracted through water droplets in the air, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 6 Mar. 2023 See More

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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of refract was in 1612

Dictionary Entries Near refract

Cite this Entry

“Refract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refract. Accessed 31 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

refract

verb
re·​fract ri-ˈfrakt How to pronounce refract (audio)
: to cause to go through refraction

Medical Definition

refract

transitive verb
re·​fract ri-ˈfrakt How to pronounce refract (audio)
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)

More from Merriam-Webster on refract

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