# refraction

/ɹɪfɹˈækʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/refraction
Updated: 2026-05-27

## Definition

the way light or sound changes direction when it moves from one material to another. This is why a straw in a glass of water looks bent.

For teachers: the deviation of a wave, such as light or sound, from a straight path when it passes from one medium to another. Often involves a change in the wave's speed and wavelength.

## Examples

- The refraction of light makes the pool look shallower than it is.
- When the sun sets, the refraction of its light through the atmosphere creates the colorful display of red and orange.
- The lens in the human eye uses the principle of refraction to focus incoming light onto the retina, allowing the brain to process visual information clearly.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.