refractivity

[ree-frak-tiv-i-tee]

noun

1. the power to refract.

Word History and Origins

Origin of refractivity¹

refractive + -ity

Example Sentences

Here the chemist has only succeeded in making a paste or glass having limpidity and a somewhat high refractivity, but wanting the hardness and “fire” of the real stone.

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This low refractivity is noteworthy as strongly antagonistic to the view at one time favoured by eminent chemists that argon was a condensed form of nitrogen represented by N3.

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Boron dissolves in molten aluminium, and on cooling, transparent, almost colourless crystals are obtained, possessing a lustre, hardness and refractivity near that of the diamond.

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Glasses can now be made differing considerably both in refractivity and dispersive power.

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In this case small temperature changes alter the refractivity of the liquid without appreciably affecting the quartz.

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