refractor

American  

[ri-frak-ter] / rɪˈfræk tər /

noun

1. a person or thing that refracts.

2. telescope1

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refractor British  

/ rɪˈfræktə /

noun

1. an object or material that refracts

2. another name for refracting telescope

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Etymology

Origin of refractor

First recorded in 1630–40; refract + -or ²

Explanation

A refractor is a kind of lens that bends light to form a focused image. A telescope that uses this type of lens to bring distant objects into view is also known as a refractor. The word refractor comes from refract, "to break or bend the natural course." In the case of a telescope, it's light that's being refracted, or bent, as it passes through a lens. A second lens magnifies the image, making it possible to see distant stars and planets. Today, most large telescopes used by astronomers to see very distant objects are reflecting telescopes that use mirrors rather than refractors.

Example Sentences

I also “invest” in collecting rookie/prospect refractor cards.

From Slate • Apr. 12, 2022

According to Beckett, the Trout red refractor is the second rarest version of the Angels’ superstar’s card.

From Fox News • May 21, 2020

Currently, the largest refracting telescope is the 40-inch refractor at Yerkes Observatory in Wisconsin.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

In 2007, after years of study, he built his own 100-millimeter refractor telescope out of spare parts he found around the city.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2016

They should be sought for with a powerful refractor, taking special precautions against the illumination of the field of view from neighboring bright stars.

From Sir William Herschel: His Life and Works by Holden, Edward Singleton