Refractor/rɪˈfræktər/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Optics Use Refractors bend light for instruments like telescopes, cameras, and microscopes. The microscope's refractor enhanced the image clarity. Pro Tip 2/3Scientific Term Used in science and technical discussions, not in everyday conversation. We studied how the refractor impacts light waves in physics class. Pro Tip 3/3Specific Objects Linked to specific objects, 'refractor' isn't used for anything that bends light. She adjusted the telescope's refractor to view the stars.