Refract

To change the direction of a ray of light, sound, heat, or another form of energy when it enters at an angle into a medium with a different density. This bending occurs because the speed of the energy wave changes as it passes through the new medium. The degree of refraction depends on the angle of incidence and the difference in density between the two mediums. Beyond its scientific definition, 'refract' can also be used metaphorically to describe the distortion or alteration of something, like an idea or perception, as it passes through a new context or understanding. This usage emphasizes a change in form or interpretation due to an external influence.

Refract meaning with examples

• The glass prism carefully refracts sunlight into a beautiful rainbow, demonstrating the separation of colors based on their different wavelengths and speeds. Light bends as it enters the glass due to the change in its speed, creating a visual spectrum of all colours of the visible light.
• When the underwater sonar beam hit the change in water temperature, it refracted. This bending of the sound waves alerted the naval crew to the thermal gradient, allowing them to adjust the course of the submarine.
• Her worldview, once a straight line, refracted as she moved to the city, gaining varied perspectives, creating a multi-faceted personality. Exposure to diverse cultures and beliefs caused her established opinions to bend and shift significantly.
• The artist’s work takes everyday scenes and refracts them through a lens of surrealism, creating a distorted but thought-provoking reality for the audience. Their unique style transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.
• The news report, designed to capture attention, presented the events and facts to create a skewed view of the situation and refracted them to manipulate public opinion, ignoring the need for unbiased reporting.