refract
/rɪˈfrakt
/verb [with object]
1(Of water, air, or glass) make (a ray of light) change direction when it enters at an angle: the rays of light are refracted by the material of the lens...
- A light ray is refracted when it passes from one medium to another at an angle and its speed changes.
- The hotter, denser air refracts the light coming from the horizon and the viewer sees an image of the sky near the horizon.
- When the temperature difference is large enough, the warmer air refracts the light and amazing images can be seen.
1.1Measure the focusing characteristics of (an eye) or of the eyes of (someone): when refracting patients an ophthalmologist relies on verbal reports
Origin
Early 17th century: from Latin refract- 'broken up', from the verb refringere, from re- 'back' + frangere 'to break'.