refraction
Meaning
The fact or phenomenon of light, radio waves, etc. being deflected in passing obliquely through the interface between one medium and another or through a medium of varying density.
The measurement of the focusing characteristics of an eye or eyes.
Structure
Usage
The bending of a straw in a glass of water is caused by the refraction of light.
An optometrist measures the refraction of your eyes to determine your prescription for glasses.
Atmospheric refraction causes the sun to appear slightly above the horizon even after it has actually set.
Etymology
The word 'refraction' originates from the Latin verb refringere, meaning "to break up" or "to break open", itself composed of re- ("back") and frangere ("to break"). This literal sense of "breaking back" was adopted into scientific Latin as refractio to describe the bending or "breaking" of a ray of light as it passes from one transparent medium into another. The term entered English in the early 17th century, retaining this core scientific concept. Thus, the modern abstract meaning of a change in direction is a direct metaphorical extension from the ancient idea of a light ray being "broken" at the boundary between substances.
Analysis
re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back". fract: Latin origin, from the root frangere meaning "to break". ion: Latin origin, a suffix forming nouns denoting action or condition.