refractive

adjective

re·​frac·​tive ri-ˈfrak-tiv How to pronounce refractive (audio)
1
: having power to refract
2
: relating or due to refraction
refractively adverb
refractiveness noun
refractivity noun

Examples of refractive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for refractive 

Word History

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of refractive was in 1673

Dictionary Entries Near refractive

Cite this Entry

“Refractive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refractive. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

refractive

adjective
re·​frac·​tive ri-ˈfrak-tiv How to pronounce refractive (audio)
1
: having power to refract
a refractive lens
2
: relating to or due to refraction
refractive phenomena
refractive dispersion of light
refractively adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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