refract

[ri-frakt]

verb (used with object)

1. to subject to refraction.

2. to determine the refractive condition of (an eye).

refract

/ rɪˈfrækt /

verb

1. to cause to undergo refraction

2. to measure the refractive capabilities of (the eye, a lens, etc)

Other Word Forms

• refractable adjective
• refractedly adverb
• refractedness noun
• nonrefracting adjective
• unrefracted adjective
• unrefracting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of refract¹

1605–15; < Latin refrāctus, past participle of refringere to break, force back, equivalent to re- re- + frac- (variant stem of frangere to break ) + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of refract¹

C17: from Latin refractus broken up, from refringere , from _re- + frangere to break

Example Sentences

Their stories reflect and refract the themes of “On the Road” for today.

From Salon

These machines shoot UV light tens of thousands of times through drops of molten tin, which creates a plasma, and is then refracted through a series of specialised mirrors.

From BBC

So lifting, the dynamic of lifting through asking how do things feel, refracted into the rest of my life.

From Los Angeles Times

Apparently, a lot of folks feel seeing people in the real world is too taxing, and it's easier to refract your urge for connection to an app that offers only an inch-deep simulacrum.

From Salon

Still, there’s also something kind of profound in contemplating 2000, even if it is refracted through this movie’s silly lens.

From Los Angeles Times