Refractive
/rɪˈfræktɪv/adjective
Something that can change the direction of light that hits it.
Water has a higher refractive index than air, which is why things look bent in water.
Often appears as...
- refractive index
- refractive error
Usage tips
Scientific
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Visible Change
Refractive relates to how objects can appear altered when viewed through different materials.
The stick looks refractive when submerged in water; it seems bent.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Color Change
Refractive changes direction of light, but doesn't alter colors, like prisms do.
Despite the refractive qualities of her glasses, the colors remained true.
Pro Tip 3/3Physics Context
Used in scientific contexts, often discussing lenses, glasses or transparent materials.
In physics class, we learned how refractive lenses focus light.
Compare with
reflectiverefractory
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