refractive

[ri-frak-tiv] /rɪˈfræk tɪv/

adjective

of or pertaining to refraction.

Also, refractile. having power to refract.

Origin

1665-75; < Late Latin refrāctīvus (of pronouns) reflexive. See refract, -ive

Related forms

refractively, adverb

refractiveness, noun

nonrefractive, adjective

nonrefractively, adverb

nonrefractiveness, noun

unrefractive, adjective

unrefractively, adverb

unrefractiveness, noun

Examples from the web for refractive

The refractive power of the eye's corneal surface, a key to clear vision, is greatly reduced underwater.
That's probably because aragonite has two refractive indices, the extent to which a particular material focuses incoming light.
They studied a material with a low refractive index bordered by a layer with a high refractive index.
Most optical fibers have a core of pure silica and a cladding layer that is doped with ions to change its refractive index.
The layers have different refractive indices, and incoming light waves are bent and reflected at each interface.
There's a mismatch between the refractive index of water and air.
Some may specialize in the rehabilitation of post-refractive surgeries.
Reflective and refractive ridges direct the light outwards.
Each cell type has a unique diffraction signature that depends on its size, shape, and an optical quality called refractive index.
But cancers may have different refractive properties.

British Dictionary definitions for refractive

/rɪˈfræktɪv/

adjective

of or concerned with refraction

(of a material or substance) capable of causing refraction

Derived Forms

refractively, adverb
refractiveness, refractivity (ˌriːfrækˈtɪvɪtɪ) noun

Word Origin and History for refractive

adj.

1670s, from Late Latin refractivus, or from refract + -ive.