refractive
Meaning: Relating to the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, or to the measurement and correction of the eye's ability to focus light.
In optics, refraction occurs because light changes speed when moving between materials of different densities, causing it to change direction. The refractive index of a material quantifies this effect. In ophthalmology, refractive errors — myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism — are among the most common reasons people visit an optician. Refractive surgery, such as LASIK, reshapes the cornea to correct these errors. The term collocates with 'index,' 'error,' 'surgery,' and 'power.'
Examples
- The optometrist identified a significant refractive error that explained the patient's persistent headaches and difficulty reading. 验光师发现了一个显著的屈光不正,这解释了患者持续的头痛和阅读困难。La optometrista identificó un defecto refractivo significativo que explicaba las cefaleas persistentes y la dificultad de lectura del paciente.検眼士は顕著な屈折異常を発見し、患者の持続的な頭痛と読書困難の原因を解明した。검안사는 환자의 지속적인 두통과 독서 곤란의 원인을 설명하는 현저한 굴절 이상을 발견했다.
- Diamond's exceptionally high refractive index is what gives the gemstone its characteristic sparkle and brilliance. 钻石异常高的折射率赋予了这种宝石特有的闪耀和光彩。El índice de refracción excepcionalmente alto del diamante es lo que le confiere su característico centelleo y brillo.ダイヤモンドの非常に高い屈折率が、この宝石特有の輝きと煌めきをもたらしています。다이아몬드의 매우 높은 굴절률이 이 보석 특유의 반짝임과 광채를 만들어냅니다.
- Refractive surgery has advanced considerably, with modern procedures offering recovery times measured in hours rather than weeks. 屈光手术已取得长足进步,现代手术的恢复时间以小时而非数周计算。La cirugía refractiva ha avanzado considerablemente y los procedimientos modernos ofrecen tiempos de recuperación medidos en horas en lugar de semanas.屈折矯正手術は著しく進歩しており、最新の手術では回復期間が数週間ではなく数時間で済むようになりました。굴절 교정 수술은 크게 발전하여, 최신 수술의 회복 기간은 몇 주가 아닌 몇 시간 단위로 줄었습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin refractus, past participle of refringere (to break up), from re- (back) and frangere (to break). The optical sense developed in the 17th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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