Réfraction (en. Refraction)

/ʁefʁak.sjɔ̃/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
Phenomenon of the deviation of waves based on the properties of the media.
Refraction occurs when sound waves pass through air and water.
La réfraction se produit lorsque les ondes sonores passent dans l'air et l'eau.
Change in direction of light when it passes through a transparent medium.
The refraction of light in water creates an optical illusion.
La réfraction de la lumière dans l'eau crée une illusion d'optique.

Etymology

From the Latin 'refractio', meaning 'action of breaking' or 'curving'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

Snell-Descartes law
Rule that describes the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction.
loi de Snell-Descartes
atmospheric refraction
Phenomenon of the deviation of light in the atmosphere, affecting the visibility of distant objects.
réfraction atmosphérique

Related Words

refractory
Who resists something, especially in terms of change or adaptation.
réfractaire
refringence
Property of a material that causes the refraction of light.
réfringence

Slang Meanings

Expression used to talk about optical illusions.
It's just refraction, don't let what you see mislead you.
C'est juste de la réfraction, ne te laisse pas tromper par ce que tu vois.
To mock someone who does not understand a situation.
You see nothing at the refraction, it's like you don't see things clearly.
Tu vois rien à la réfraction, c'est comme si tu ne voyais pas les choses clairement.