refraction: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “refraction” mean?
The bending of light, sound, or other waves as they pass from one medium into another.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The bending of light, sound, or other waves as they pass from one medium into another.
The change in direction of a wavefront due to a change in its speed. Also used metaphorically to describe a distortion or altered perception of an idea or piece of information.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or technical usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Neutral and scientific in both variants.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse but standard in scientific contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “refraction” in a Sentence
The refraction of [light/sound] by [medium][Light/Sound] undergoes refraction in [medium]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “refraction” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The refraction of sunlight in droplets creates a rainbow.
- Atmospheric refraction must be accounted for in precise surveying.
American English
- The refraction of the sound waves made the source hard to locate.
- She corrected her vision with surgery that altered the refraction in her cornea.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Central concept in physics, earth sciences, and engineering.
Everyday
Rare, except in contexts like explaining a rainbow or a straw looking bent in a glass.
Technical
Precise term in optics, acoustics, ophthalmology (refractive error), and geology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “refraction”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “refraction”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “refraction”
- Confusing 'refraction' with 'reflection' (bouncing off) or 'diffraction' (spreading around obstacles).
- Using it as a verb (the verb is 'to refract').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A rainbow is a specific natural phenomenon caused by refraction, reflection, and dispersion of light in water droplets. Refraction is the general process of light bending.
Yes. It applies to any wave, including sound (e.g., sound bending in layers of air at different temperatures) and seismic waves.
'Refractive' relates to refraction (e.g., refractive index). 'Refractory' means stubborn, resistant to treatment, or heat-resistant (e.g., refractory bricks in a furnace).
Yes. A straw appearing bent or broken at the point where it enters a glass of water is a classic example of light refraction.
The bending of light, sound, or other waves as they pass from one medium into another.
Refraction is usually technical / academic in register.
Refraction: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈfræk.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈfræk.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Through the prism of (metaphorical, related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a REFRACTory material that resists heat – it changes how heat moves. REFRACTION changes how light moves.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING IS SEEING; therefore, a distortion of understanding can be 'refraction of the truth'.
Practice
Quiz
Which phenomenon is directly described by the term 'refraction'?