refractor

UK: rɪˈfræktə | US: rɪˈfræktər

Definition

  1. n. 1. A device or substance that refracts light or other radiation.

  2. n. 2. (Optics) A lens or prism used to bend light rays.

Structure
re <back, again>fract <break>or <noun suffix, denotes agent or tool>
Etymology

The word "refractor" originates from Latin refringere ("to break back"), combining re- (back/again) and fractus (broken, past participle of frangere, "to break"). In optics, "refraction" describes the bending of light as it passes through a medium, metaphorically "breaking" its path. The suffix -or (Latin agent noun) signifies the tool or device performing this action. Thus, a "refractor" is literally "something that bends light back."

Examples

  1. The telescope uses a high-quality refractor to focus starlight.

  2. Diamond’s high refractive index makes it an excellent natural refractor.

  3. Scientists calibrated the refractor to measure the angle of light deviation.

  4. Early astronomers relied on simple refractors to observe celestial bodies.

  5. The prism acts as a refractor, splitting white light into a spectrum.