Refraction

noun

/rɪˈfrækʃən/

The bending of a wave, especially light, as it passes from one medium into another of different optical density, caused by a change in the wave's speed.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

Just as a single ray of light undergoes refraction when it crosses from one medium into another, a uniform central policy is often refracted through the prism of local institutions, emerging in implementation as something quite different from its original design.

Synonyms

bendingdeflectiondeviationdiffractiondistortionrefrangence

Antonyms

rectilinearitystraightnessdirectness

🌱 Word Family

refract (v), refractive (adj), refracted (adj), refractivity (n), refractometer (n)

🔡 Root

Latin refringere = to break up; re- = back + frangere = to break; Late Latin refrāctiōnem = a breaking back

📜 Etymology

From Late Latin refrāctiōnem, from Latin refringere ("to break up"), from re- ("back") + frangere ("to break").

🧠 Memory Hook

Re-FRACT-ion shares its root with FRACTURE and FRACTION, all from Latin frangere 'to break': light's straight path is "broken" and bent as it enters a new medium.

📝 Seen in UPSC Question Papers

Prelims 2016 — Physics
Prelims 2013 — Physics

Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Refraction” — proof this word earns its place on your list.

⚗️ General Science 📖 Seen in: Light, Optics & Electromagnetic Waves

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