Definitions for refraction

• Definition
• Anagrams (793)

refraction re·frac·tion

Spelling: [ri-frak-shuh n]

IPA: /rɪˈfræk ʃən/

Refraction is a 10 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 15 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 17 points.

You can make 793 anagrams from letters in refraction (acefinorrt).

Definitions for refraction

noun

1. Physics. the change of direction of a ray of light, sound, heat, or the like, in passing obliquely from one medium into another in which its wave velocity is different.
2. Ophthalmology. the ability of the eye to refract light that enters it so as to form an image on the retina. the determining of the refractive condition of the eye.
3. Astronomy. Also called astronomical refraction. the amount, in angular measure, by which the altitude of a celestial body is increased by the refraction of its light in the earth's atmosphere, being zero at the zenith and a maximum at the horizon. the observed altered location, as seen from the earth, of another planet or the like due to diffraction by the atmosphere.

Origin of refraction

First recorded in 1570-80, refraction is from the Late Latin word refrāctiōn- (stem of refrāctiō). See refract, -ion

Examples for refraction

The changing arising from refraction and reflection is wonderful.

Perhaps the law of refraction was not quite accurate, but only an approximation.

Now what is the property of the Aether on which all reflection and refraction is based?

It was not the "thing-in-itself," it was only the refraction of it through our atmosphere.

People wondered what was amiss with me, when they found me, as they often did, in a state of refraction.

He has a taste for optics also; and knows all about refraction and reflection.

An object is said to be dipping when by refraction it is visible just above the horizon.

You remember the trouble I had with the refraction from the second prism.

The formula for refraction which Ptolemy helped to shape, is geometrical in form.

After all, it was as if I had first been told about refraction and then had been shown a rainbow.