refraction

/rɪˈfrækʃɪn/

/rɪˈfrækʃən/

Other forms: refractions

Refraction is the bending of light or sound as it passes through something like a wall (sound) or a window (light).

The result of the refraction of light particles as they pass through water or a prism is a rainbow. Since different colored light particles move at different speeds, refraction causes the colors to split by how fast they are moving. Sound waves also experience refraction when traveling in warm air over cool water. This is why you can sometimes hear someone talking from far across a lake in the morning or evening.

Definitions of refraction

1. noun

   the change in direction of a propagating wave (light or sound) when passing from one medium to another
   types:

   birefringence, double refraction

   splitting a ray into two parallel rays polarized perpendicularly

   type of:

   physical phenomenon

   a natural phenomenon involving the physical properties of matter and energy
2. noun

   the amount by which a propagating wave is bent
   synonyms: deflection, deflexion

   type of:

   bend, bending

   movement that causes the formation of a curve