refractor Definition

refract
verb

refracted, refracting
1. Said of a medium, eg water, glass: to cause the direction of (a wave of light, sound, etc) to change when it crosses the boundary between this medium and another through which it travels at a different speed, eg between air and glass.

Derivative: refractable
adj

refrangible.

Derivative: refracted
adj

Derivative: refractive

Relating to or involving refraction.

Capable of causing refraction.

Derivative: refractivity
noun

Derivative: refractor

Anything that refracts.

A refracting telescope.

Etymology: 17c: from Latin refringere, refractum, from frangere to break.

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refracting telescope
refractor
noun

1. astron.
A telescope in which light rays are collected by means of a lens of long focal length and magnified by a lens of short focal length. Compare reflecting telescope.