Library / English Dictionary

REFRACTIVE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (adjective) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Capable of changing the direction (of a light or sound wave)

Synonyms:

deflective; refractive

Classified under:

Adjectives

Similar:

crooked (having or marked by bends or angles; not straight or aligned)

Derivation:

refract (determine the refracting power of (a lens))

refract (subject to refraction)

refractiveness; refractivity (the physical property of a medium as determined by its index of refraction)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Of or relating to or capable of refraction

Example:

the refractive characteristics of the eye

Synonyms:

refractile; refractive

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Pertainym:

refraction (the change in direction of a propagating wave (light or sound) when passing from one medium to another)

Derivation:

refract (determine the refracting power of (a lens))

refract (subject to refraction)

refractiveness; refractivity (the physical property of a medium as determined by its index of refraction)

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