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refraction

Syllabification: (re·frac·tion)
Pronunciation: /riˈfrakSHən/
Definition of refraction

noun

Physics
  • the fact or phenomenon of light, radio waves, etc., being deflected in passing obliquely through the interface between one medium and another or through a medium of varying density.
  • change in direction of propagation of any wave as a result of its traveling at different speeds at different points along the wave front.
  • measurement of the focusing characteristics of an eye or eyes.

Origin:

mid 17th century: from late Latin refractio(n-), from refringere 'break up' (see refract)

refraction in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of refraction in the British & World English dictionary