|
|
1. (n.) refraction
the change of direction of a ray of light, sound, heat, or the like, in passing obliquely from one medium into another in which its wave velocity is different.
2. refraction
the ability of the eye to refract light that enters it so as to form an image on the retina.
3. refraction
the determining of the refractive condition of the eye.
4. refraction
the amount, in angular measure, by which the altitude of a celestial body is increased by the refraction of its light in the earth's atmosphere.
Etymology: (1570–80; < LL refrāctiō, calque of Gk
|
| Definition of 'refraction' |
Princeton's WordNet |
|
1. (noun) refraction
the change in direction of a propagating wave (light or sound) when passing from one medium to another
2. (noun) deflection, deflexion, refraction
the amount by which a propagating wave is bent
|
| Definition of 'refraction' |
Webster Dictionary |
|
1. (noun) refraction
the act of refracting, or the state of being refracted
2. (noun) refraction
the change in the direction of ray of light, heat, or the like, when it enters obliquely a medium of a different density from that through which it has previously moved
3. (noun) refraction
the change in the direction of a ray of light, and, consequently, in the apparent position of a heavenly body from which it emanates, arising from its passage through the earth's atmosphere; -- hence distinguished as atmospheric refraction, or astronomical refraction
4. (noun) refraction
the correction which is to be deducted from the apparent altitude of a heavenly body on account of atmospheric refraction, in order to obtain the true altitude
|
| Definitions of 'refraction' |
The Nuttall Encyclopedia |
|
1. refraction
. Light travels in straight lines; but when a ray travelling through one medium passes obliquely into another of either greater or less density it is bent at the point of incidence. This bending or breaking is called refraction. The apparent bend in a stick set sloping in a sheet of water is due to this phenomenon, as are also many mirages and other optical illusions.
|
| Definition of 'refraction' |
Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms |
|
1. refraction
The process by which the direction of a wave is changed when moving into shallow water at an angle to the bathymetric contours. The crest of the wave advancing in shallower water moves more slowly than the crest still advancing in deeper water, causing the wave crest to bend toward alignment with the underwater contours.
|
|
|
|
|
| Alternative search options for 'refraction' |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Definitions of refraction 
