# refractive

/ɹəˈfɹæktɪv/ (US) · /ɹɪfɹˈæktɪv/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/refractive
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

describing something that causes light to change direction as it passes through. You use this to talk about how glass or water bends light.

For teachers: relating to the bending of light or other electromagnetic radiation as it passes from one medium to another. Often describes the physical property of a material that causes this change in direction.

## Examples

- The lens has a high refractive index.
- Opticians use refractive materials to correct vision by bending light to focus it properly on the retina.
- The unique refractive properties of the gemstone cause it to display a brilliant spectrum of colors when viewed from different angles under bright light.

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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.