Definition

The ability of a substance to bend or change the direction of light when it passes through it.

Example

The refrangibility of the glass allowed it to create beautiful patterns of light.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term refrangibility?

No, I haven't. What does it mean?

It refers to the quality of being refrangible, like how light bends through a prism.

That sounds interesting! I guess that's why prisms create rainbows.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Refrangibility is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "frangere" (meaning to break). The term refers to the ability to break or bend light again, particularly in the context of optics.

Memory Tip

Think of light being 'broken again' — 're-' means again, and 'frangere' means to break. This helps you remember that refrangibility relates to the bending or breaking of light.

Visually Confused Words