Definition

The quality or state of bending light as it passes through different materials.

Example

The refractiveness of the glass allowed for beautiful light patterns in the room.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about the refractiveness of different materials?

Not really, what do you mean by that?

I read that some materials can bend light in interesting ways due to their refractiveness.

That's pretty cool! I guess that's why glass prisms create rainbows.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Refractiveness → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "frangere" (meaning to break) combined with the suffix "-ness" (indicating a state or quality). The word refers to the quality of bending or breaking light again as it passes through different mediums.

Memory Tip

Think of light 'breaking' ('frangere') 'again' ('re-') as it passes through different materials, which helps you remember that 'refractiveness' describes the quality of bending light.

Visually Confused Words