1. the bending of light, sound, or other waves when they pass from one medium into another of different density
Usage: physics; optics
2. instances of something being altered or distorted from its original form
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The refractions of light through the prism created a beautiful rainbow.
• Students studied the refractions of sound waves in different materials.
• The water’s refractions made the fish appear closer to the surface.
• Light refractions through the glass created interesting patterns on the wall.
• The artist captured the refractions of sunlight on the lake’s surface.
• These are refractions of the original story, changed by each storyteller.