Refractive: meaning, definitions and examples
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refractive
[ rɪˈfræktɪv ]
physical properties
Refractive refers to the ability of a material to bend light as it passes through it. This property is crucial in the fields of optics and physics, where the behavior of light is studied. A refractive material can change the direction of light, causing phenomena such as the formation of rainbows or the distortion of images observed through lenses. The refractive index is a numerical value that describes how much light is bent when it enters a material.
Synonyms
bending, deflective, transmissive.
Examples of usage
- The refractive index of glass determines how lenses are shaped.
- A refractive surface can create optical illusions.
- Different materials have varying refractive properties.
Translations
Translations of the word "refractive" in other languages:
🇵🇹 refrativo
🇮🇳 अपवर्तनकारी
🇩🇪 refraktiv
🇮🇩 refraktif
🇺🇦 рефрактивний
🇵🇱 refrakcyjny
🇯🇵 屈折の
🇫🇷 réfractif
🇪🇸 refractivo
🇹🇷 kırılma
🇰🇷 굴절의
🇸🇦 انكساري
🇨🇿 refrakční
🇸🇰 refrakčný
🇨🇳 折射的
🇸🇮 refraktiven
🇮🇸 brottgengis
🇰🇿 рефрактивті
🇬🇪 რეფრაქციული
🇦🇿 refraktiv
🇲🇽 refractivo
Etymology
The term 'refractive' originates from the late Latin word 'refractīvus,' which means 'capable of breaking up or bending.' This Latin word is derived from 'refringere', meaning 'to break up' or 'to disrupt.' The concept of refraction dates back to ancient times, where scientists and philosophers like Ptolemy studied the bending of light as it passed through different mediums. The systematic study of refraction began in earnest during the Renaissance, with critical contributions from figures like Ibn al-Haytham, who is often referred to as the 'father of optics.' Over the centuries, the understanding and applications of refractive properties have expanded, leading to advancements in lenses, microscopes, and telescopes, fundamentally altering our understanding of the universe.