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refraction (n.)

1570s, from Late Latin refractionem (nominative refractio) "a breaking up," noun of action from past participle stem of Latin refringere "to break up," from re- "back" (see re-) + combining form of frangere "to break" (from PIE root *bhreg- "to break").

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Definitions of refraction from WordNet

refraction (n.)
the change in direction of a propagating wave (light or sound) when passing from one medium to another;
refraction (n.)
the amount by which a propagating wave is bent;
Synonyms: deflection / deflexion
From wordnet.princeton.edu