refractive index
noun
: the ratio of the speed of radiation (such as light) in one medium (such as air, glass, or a vacuum) to that in another medium
Examples of refractive index in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Typically, pure silica is used for the layers that make up the core and cladding, though to get a higher refractive index in the core, researchers add small amounts of other glass components to the silica.
—
John Ballato, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026
The second is a series of air holes with a low refractive index, and the last is a polymer matrix to act as the base material.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 8 Mar. 2026
Both of these kinds of voxels modify the speed at which light travels through the glass, which is based off a factor called the refractive index.
—IEEE Spectrum, 18 Feb. 2026
Its unique refractive index gives it remarkable pleochroism—showing flashes of blue, violet, and burgundy from different angles—making fine Tanzanite Jewelry both mesmerizing and instantly recognizable.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 26 Nov. 2025
Ars Video The team screened various biocompatible polymeric materials (used to make commercial contact lenses) to find just the right refractive index and optical and mechanical properties, and integrated them with the aforementioned nanoparticles to make upconversion contact lenses (UCLs).
—Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2025
In the simplest terms, diamonds are carbon with a cubic atomic arrangement, and their shine comes from the gems’ high refractive index—that is, an ability to bend light.
—Kayla Randall, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
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John Ballato, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026
The second is a series of air holes with a low refractive index, and the last is a polymer matrix to act as the base material.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 8 Mar. 2026
Both of these kinds of voxels modify the speed at which light travels through the glass, which is based off a factor called the refractive index.
—IEEE Spectrum, 18 Feb. 2026
Its unique refractive index gives it remarkable pleochroism—showing flashes of blue, violet, and burgundy from different angles—making fine Tanzanite Jewelry both mesmerizing and instantly recognizable.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 26 Nov. 2025
Ars Video The team screened various biocompatible polymeric materials (used to make commercial contact lenses) to find just the right refractive index and optical and mechanical properties, and integrated them with the aforementioned nanoparticles to make upconversion contact lenses (UCLs).
—Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2025
In the simplest terms, diamonds are carbon with a cubic atomic arrangement, and their shine comes from the gems’ high refractive index—that is, an ability to bend light.
—Kayla Randall, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Refractive index.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refractive%20index. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
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