| 
WordNet-OnlineFree dictionary and thesaurus of English. Definitions, synonyms, antonyms and more...
 Hint: double-click any word to get it searched!
  
 
            
         Definitions from WordNet
Noun index of refraction has 1 sense
refractive index, index of refraction - the ratio of the velocity of light in a vacuum to that in a medium--1 is a kind of ratio
 
 | 
| Definitions from the WebIndex of RefractionDescription:The index of refraction is a property of a material that describes how light bends (refracts) when it passes through it. It is the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in the medium. Senses and Usages:
  Physics: In physics, the index of refraction is a fundamental property used to determine how much light is bent when passing through a transparent medium.Optics: In optics, the index of refraction is commonly used to calculate the direction and degree of bending of light when it passes from one medium to another. Sample Sentences:
  The index of refraction of water is approximately 1.33.When light enters a denser medium, such as glass, it experiences a higher index of refraction.The index of refraction affects the speed of light in a material. Possible Related Products: |