Definition

To change the direction of light or other waves when they pass through a medium, causing them to bend.

Example

The lens can refract light to focus it on the retina.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever seen how a prism can refract light into a rainbow?

Yes! It's amazing how it splits the colors like that.

I love how light can be refracted in so many different ways.

Totally! It's like nature's own art show.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Refract → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "frangere" (meaning to break). The word describes the act of bending light by breaking its path again as it passes through different mediums.

Memory Tip

Think of light 'breaking' ('frangere') its path 'again' ('re-') when it enters a new medium, which helps you remember that 'refract' means to bend light.

Visually Confused Words