refractive

adjective

re·​frac·​tive ri-ˈfrak-tiv 

1

: having power to refract

2

: relating or due to refraction

refractively adverb

refractiveness noun

refractivity

ˌrē-ˌfrak-ˈti-və-tē 

ri-

noun

Examples of refractive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Presbyopia is a refractive error, meaning it is caused by the eye not focusing light correctly on the light-sensing retina at the back of the eye. —Maxine Lipner, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2024

Its lenses aren’t made from traditional glass or plastic but rather a refractive material called silicon carbide. —Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2024

While both conditions require glasses or contact lenses, the specific lens required varies depending on the type of refractive error.13 Nearsightedness requires concave lenses, which are thinner in the middle and thicker on the edges. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 18 Aug. 2024

Nail artist Mei Kawajiri dreamed up a refractive and frosty holiday mani for Hannah Bronfman, inspiring our next polish jobs in the process. —Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 17 Dec. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing refractive

• refractive index

Medical Definition

refractive

adjective

re·​frac·​tive ri-ˈfrak-tiv 

1

: having power to refract

a refractive lens

2

: relating to or due to refraction

refractive phenomena

refractive dispersion of light

refractively adverb