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