Definition of "refract" in English

verb

1. (transitive, physics) Of a medium, substance, object, etc.: to deflect the course of (light rays), esp. when they enter the medium, etc., at an oblique angle; to cause refraction of (light, other electromagnetic radiation, or sound or other wave phenomena).

2. (transitive, figurative) To mediate; to alter; to distort.

3. (transitive, optics) To cause (light) to change direction as a result of entering a different medium.

4. (transitive, ophthalmology) To measure, and often also to correct with lenses, the refractive error of (an eye) or the eyes of (a person).

   • A prism can refract light.