refractive

/ri'frækʃənl/ Cách viết khác : (refractive) /ri'fræktiv/

Thân thiện

A prism demonstrates the refractive properties of light.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Capable of changing the direction (of a light or sound wave): Describes a property of a material or medium that causes waves, such as light or sound, to bend when they pass through it at an angle.
   • Of or relating to or capable of refraction: Pertaining to the physical phenomenon of refraction itself.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • Water is a refractive medium, which is why a straw looks bent in a glass.
  • The refractive properties of the lens are crucial for focusing light onto the retina.
  • Scientists study the refractive index of various materials for optical applications.

Advanced Usage

• "Refractive error": A common term in optometry and ophthalmology referring to a vision problem, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, caused by the eye's inability to focus light correctly on the retina.
  • Glasses or contact lenses are used to correct a refractive error.

Variants and Related Words

• Refract (verb): To cause light or other waves to change direction when passing through a substance.
  • A prism refracts white light, separating it into colors.
• Refraction (noun): The process or phenomenon of a wave changing direction.
  • The bending of light in a raindrop is due to refraction.
• Refractivity (noun): The physical property of being refractive; refractive power.
• Refractor (noun): A lens or other device that causes refraction, such as in a telescope.

Synonyms

• Deflective: Causing something to change direction.
• Diffractive: Causing waves to spread out, often used alongside refractive in wave physics.

Related Phrases

• Refractive index (noun phrase): A dimensionless number that describes how fast light travels through a material compared to a vacuum. It quantifies the refractive power.
  • Diamond has a very high refractive index, which contributes to its brilliance.
• Refractive surgery (noun phrase): A type of eye surgery, such as LASIK, that aims to correct refractive errors.
  • He underwent refractive surgery to eliminate his need for glasses.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. capable of changing the direction (of a light or sound wave)
2. of or relating to or capable of refraction
   • the refractive characteristics of the eye

Từ đồng nghĩa

• deflective
• refractile