refractive

adjective

re·​frac·​tive ri-ˈfrak-tiv 

1

: having power to refract

2

: relating or due to refraction

refractively adverb

refractiveness noun

refractivity

ˌrē-ˌfrak-ˈti-və-tē 

ri-

noun

Examples of refractive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Both nearsightedness and farsightedness are refractive disorders caused by light not landing properly on the retina within the eye. —Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 6 May 2025

The eye flattens due to fluid redistribution, the retinal nerve fiber layer can thicken, and there is a refractive shift so the vision can blur in space. —Jen Christensen, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025

People with nearsightedness or farsightedness may also qualify for refractive surgery, such as laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 18 Aug. 2024

Headaches can also be a symptom of refractive error. —Vanessa Caceres, Verywell Health, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing refractive

• refractive index

Rhymes for refractive

• attractive
• contractive
• extractive
• inactive
• proactive
• reactive
• subtractive
• active
• tractive
• bioactive
• hyperactive
• interactive

Medical Definition

refractive

adjective

re·​frac·​tive ri-ˈfrak-tiv 

1

: having power to refract

a refractive lens

2

: relating to or due to refraction

refractive phenomena

refractive dispersion of light

refractively adverb