Refrangible (/rɪˈfrændʒɪbəl/) is a word that refers to the ability of a substance to refract light. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word breaks it down into individual sounds. The first syllable "re" is pronounced with a short "i" sound as in "bit". The second syllable "frang" is pronounced with a soft "g" as in "age". The final syllable "ible" is pronounced with the long "i" sound as in "eye". When pronounced properly, this word will help to communicate scientific concepts clearly and accurately.
Refrangible is an adjective that is used to describe something that is easily or readily broken, specifically referring to substances or objects that can be easily fractured or shattered by force or impact. This term is often used in physics and optics to describe the behavior of light when passing through different mediums.
In optics, refrangible refers to the ability of light to change its direction or bend when it passes through a medium with a different refractive index. This phenomenon is known as refraction, and different substances exhibit varying degrees of refrangibility. For example, a glass prism is highly refrangible, causing light to disperse and form a spectrum of colors.
Outside the field of optics, refrangible may be used in a more metaphorical sense to describe things that are easily susceptible to damage or destruction. It implies a delicate nature or fragility, emphasizing the fact that such objects or substances can be easily shattered or broken apart.
Overall, refrangible relates primarily to the physical properties of objects or substances that are prone to breaking or fracturing, particularly in the context of optics. It can also be extended in meaning to describe things that are easily damaged or vulnerable to destruction.
Capable of being turned out of a direct course when passing from one medium into another, as rays of light passing from air into water.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "refrangible" is derived from the Latin word "refringere", which means "to break up" or "to shatter". The Latin term is composed of the prefix "re-" (meaning "back" or "again") and the verb "frangere" (meaning "to break"). Therefore, "refrangible" can be understood to imply something that can be broken up or shattered, particularly in the context of light or electromagnetic radiation being bent or dispersed.