refractive

[ ri-frak-tiv ]

/ rɪˈfræk tɪv /

adjective

of or relating to refraction.

Also refractile. having power to refract.

Nearby words

Origin of refractive

First recorded in 1665–75, refractive is from the Late Latin word refrāctīvus (of pronouns) reflexive. See refract, -ive

Related forms

re·frac·tive·ly, adverbre·frac·tive·ness, nounnon·re·frac·tive, adjectivenon·re·frac·tive·ly, adverb

non·re·frac·tive·ness, nounun·re·frac·tive, adjectiveun·re·frac·tive·ly, adverbun·re·frac·tive·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for refractive

Generally the two spherical surfaces enclose a glass lens, and are bounded on the outside by air of refractive index 1.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 16, Slice 4|Various
Although the ratio of the sines is constant, the refractive index varies in different media.
An Elementary Text-book of the Microscope|John William Griffith
The refractive indices of jargoon are much higher than those of tourmaline (see Zircon).
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 15, Slice 3|Various
The refractive index of the liquid for the D sodium ray is 1.2236.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 16, Slice 7|Various

These angles can be definitely altered for different materials, according to their refractive indices.
A Text-Book of Precious Stones for Jewelers and the Gem-Loving Public|Frank Bertram Wade

British Dictionary definitions for refractive

refractive

/ (rɪˈfræktɪv) /

adjective

of or concerned with refraction

(of a material or substance) capable of causing refraction

Derived Formsrefractively, adverbrefractiveness or refractivity (ˌriːfrækˈtɪvɪtɪ), noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for refractive

refractive

adj.

1670s, from Late Latin refractivus, or from refract + -ive.