"refract" Definition

Definitions for the word "refract" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. n.
To bend sharply and abruptly back; to break off.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
To break the natural course of, as rays of light orr heat, when passing from one transparent medium to another of different density; to cause to deviate from a direct course by an action distinct from reflection; as, a dense medium refrcts the rays of light as they pass into it from a rare medium.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v.
(of water, air, glass, etc.) Deflect (a ray of light etc.) At a certain angle when it enters obliquely from another medium. refraction n. Refractive adj. [latin refringo -fract- break open]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "refract" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "refract" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

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