refractive

American  

[ri-frak-tiv] / rɪˈfræk tɪv /

adjective

1. of or relating to refraction.

2. Also having power to refract.

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refractive British  

/ ˌriːfrækˈtɪvɪtɪ, rɪˈfræktɪv /

adjective

1. of or concerned with refraction

2. (of a material or substance) capable of causing refraction

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Other Word Forms

• nonrefractive adjective
• nonrefractively adverb
• nonrefractiveness noun
• refractively adverb
• refractiveness noun
• unrefractive adjective
• unrefractively adverb
• unrefractiveness noun

Etymology

Origin of refractive

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

Example Sentences

There is a strange, refractive moment at the end of this Fanatics commercial where Kendall Jenner bets on the New England Patriots to win the Super Bowl.

From Slate • Feb. 8, 2026

“If somehow that feedback is broken, for example, if kids are exposed to only a certain kind of wavelength, then that can mess up your refractive development.”

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2025

"Metalens-integrated cameras can be directly incorporated into the imaging modules of smartphones, where they could replace the traditional refractive bulk lenses," said Chen.

From Science Daily • May 15, 2024

To tackle this challenge, researchers are actively exploring nanocomposites, integrating nanoparticles into the resin to boost its refractive index.

From Science Daily • May 9, 2024

An optometer is an instrument for measuring refractive errors in eyes— in order that corrective lenses may be prescribed.

From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut