refractor

[ri-frak-ter]

noun

a person or thing that refracts.

refracting telescope.

Origin of refractor

First recorded in 1630–40; refract + -or²

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

Examples from the Web for refractor

Historical Examples of refractor

A refractor is also more convenient to handle than is a reflector.
The Outline of Science, Vol. 1 (of 4)
J. Arthur Thomson
The same eyepieces will serve for either the reflector or the refractor.
Pleasures of the telescope
Garrett Serviss
In America the reflector has always kept at least even pace with the refractor.
Astronomy
David Todd
It is not easy to say which type of telescope, the refractor or the reflector, is the more famous.
Astronomy
David Todd
With 3-inch refractor in the Punjab I found it “full scarlet.”
Astronomical Curiosities
J. Ellard Gore

British Dictionary definitions for refractor

refractor

noun

an object or material that refracts

another name for refracting telescope

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 refractor

1769, as a type of telescope, agent noun from refract.