re|frac|tion

re|frac|tion
re|frac|tion «rih FRAK shuhn», noun.
1. a) the process of turning or bending a ray of light when it passes at an angle from one medium into another of different density: »

The refraction of light that gives a diamond its fire is based on certain mathematical laws (New Yorker).

b) the process of turning or bending sound waves, a stream of electrons, etc., when passing from one medium to another of different density: »

When a tracking radar is used for guidance of an ICBM or IRBM. an error in apparent direction of the missile can be produced by refraction of the microwaves in clouds (Kenneth F. Gantz).

2. the process of measuring refraction of the eye, a lens, or the like.

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

Игры ⚽ Нужно решить контрольную?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • frac´tion|al|i|za´tion — frac|tion|al|ize «FRAK shuh nuh lyz», transitive verb, ized, iz|ing. to divide (an organization, system, or other structure) into parts or fractions: »Incident to these objectives is the attempt to fractionalize the North Atlantic Treaty… …   Useful english dictionary

  • frac´tion|a´tion — frac|tion|ate «FRAK shuh nayt», transitive verb, at|ed, at|ing. Chemistry. 1. to separate (a mixture) by distillation, crystallization, or other process, into its ingredients or into portions having different properties. 2. to obtain by this… …   Useful english dictionary

  • frac´tion|i|za´tion — frac|tion|ize «FRAK shuh nyz», transitive verb, intransitive verb, ized, iz|ing. to divide into fractions. –frac´tion|i|za´tion, noun …   Useful english dictionary

  • frac|tion|al|ize — «FRAK shuh nuh lyz», transitive verb, ized, iz|ing. to divide (an organization, system, or other structure) into parts or fractions: »Incident to these objectives is the attempt to fractionalize the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the… …   Useful english dictionary

  • frac|tion|ate — «FRAK shuh nayt», transitive verb, at|ed, at|ing. Chemistry. 1. to separate (a mixture) by distillation, crystallization, or other process, into its ingredients or into portions having different properties. 2. to obtain by this process.… …   Useful english dictionary

  • frac|tion|ize — «FRAK shuh nyz», transitive verb, intransitive verb, ized, iz|ing. to divide into fractions. –frac´tion|i|za´tion, noun …   Useful english dictionary

  • frac´tion|al|ly — frac|tion|al «FRAK shuh nuhl», adjective. 1. of or having to do with fractions. 2. forming a fraction: »440 yards is a fractional part of a mile. 3. small by comparison; insignificant; partial: »Rent is only a fractional part of our household… …   Useful english dictionary

  • frac|tion|al — «FRAK shuh nuhl», adjective. 1. of or having to do with fractions. 2. forming a fraction: »440 yards is a fractional part of a mile. 3. small by comparison; insignificant; partial: »Rent is only a fractional part of our household expense. 4.… …   Useful english dictionary

  • frac|tion|al|ism — «FRAK shuh nuh LIHZ uhm», noun. a tendency toward, or a policy of, division into parts or fractions: »No constitution can by itself eliminate political fractionalism and ensure a two or three party system (Atlantic) …   Useful english dictionary

  • frac|tion|ar|y — «FRAK shuh NEHR ee», adjective. 1. = fractional. (Cf. ↑fractional) 2. having to do with or carried on by fractions; tending to divide into fractions …   Useful english dictionary

  • frac|tion|a|tor — «FRAK shuh NAY tuhr», noun. a machine which fractionates, such as one which separates whole blood into plasma, red cells, and other useful components …   Useful english dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”