First Known Use: 1612
Dictionary
refract
verb re·fract \ri-ˈfrakt\
of an object or substance : to make (light) change direction when it goes through at an angle
Full Definition of REFRACT
transitive verb
1
a : to subject (as a ray of light) to refraction b : to alter or distort as if by refraction <to refract that familiar world through the mind and heart of a romantic … woman — Anton Myrer>
2
: to determine the refracting power of
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Origin of REFRACT
Latin refractus, past participle of refringere to break open, break up, from re- + frangere to break — more at break
Rhymes with REFRACT
abstract, attract, class act, compact, contact, contract, crookbacked, detract, didact, diffract, distract, enact, entr'acte, epact, exact, extract, humpbacked, hunchbacked, impact, infract, intact, mossbacked, playact, protract, react, redact, retract, sex act, subtract, swaybacked, transact, unbacked
REFRACT Defined for Kids
refract
verb re·fract \ri-ˈfrakt\
re·fract·edre·fract·ing
Definition of REFRACT for Kids
: to make (light) bend when it passes through at an angle <Prisms refract light.>
Medical Dictionary
refract
transitive verb re·fract \ri-ˈfrakt\
Medical Definition of REFRACT
1
: to subject (as a ray of light) to refraction
2
: to determine the refracting power of or abnormality of refraction in (as an eye or a lens)
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