I. rə̇ˈfrakt, rēˈf- transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin refractus, past participle of refringere to refract, break off, from re- + frangere to break — more at break
1. obsolete : reflect
2. obsolete : to break up : divide
3. : to subject (rays of light) to refraction
4. : to determine the refracting power of or abnormality of refraction in (as an eye or a lens)
II. adjective
Etymology: Latin refractus, past participle of refringere
obsolete : refracted
III. transitive verb
: to alter or distort as if by refraction
to refract that familiar world through the mind and heart of a romantic … woman — Anton Myrer