refraction
refraction Lexical Profile
refraction Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The change in direction of a wave, such as light, sound, or radio waves, as it passes obliquely from one medium into another in which its speed is different.
"The apparent bending of a straw placed in a glass of water is a classic demonstration of light refraction."
The measurement of the focusing characteristics of an eye or optical system to determine the corrective lenses needed for clear vision.
"The optometrist performed a thorough refraction to update the patient's eyeglass prescription."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'refraction' (the bending of light or waves as they pass through a medium) with 'reflection' (the bouncing back of light from a surface) or 'diffraction' (the spreading out of waves around obstacles or through narrow openings).
• Rhymes for refraction
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 17th century from Late Latin refractio, a noun of action from Latin refringere ('to break up' or 'to break open'), formed from re- ('back') and frangere ('to break').