| refraction |
the bending of rays or waves of light, heat, sound, or the like when passed obliquely from one medium to another with a different rate of transmission. [2 definitions] |
| refractor |
something that causes refraction. [2 definitions] |
| refractory |
obstinately disobedient; difficult to control, as a child or animal. [4 definitions] |
| refrain1 |
to hold oneself back; to not enter into a particular action; desist; forbear (often fol. by "from"). |
| refrain2 |
a phrase or verse repeated at regular intervals in a poem or song, esp. at the end of each stanza. [2 definitions] |
| reframe |
combined form of frame. |
| refrangible |
capable of being refracted or bent. |
| refreeze |
combined form of freeze. |
| refresh |
to revive the energy or spirits of (a person), as with food, rest or a bath. [5 definitions] |
| refresher course |
a course serving as a review of material previously studied, esp. to bring knowledge or professional skills up to date. |
| refreshing |
relieving or capable of relieving such things as tiredness, thirst, or the feeling of being overheated. [2 definitions] |
| refreshment |
(often pl.) something that refreshes or that is taken to refresh oneself, esp. food and drink. [2 definitions] |
| refried beans |
a Mexican dish consisting of dried pinto beans that have been cooked, seasoned, mashed, and fried. |
| refrigerant |
freezing, cooling, or refrigerating. [2 definitions] |
| refrigerate |
to make cold or cool, esp. to preserve. |
| refrigeration |
the act of refrigerating or state of being refrigerated. |
| refrigerator |
a room, cabinet, or appliance where food or other substances are preserved in a cold environment. |
| refuge |
shelter, protection, or comfort. [3 definitions] |
| refugee |
a person forced to leave his or her home or native land to seek safe refuge, usu. as a result of war, persecution, or the like. |
| refulgent |
shining brilliantly; radiant. |
| refund1 |
to return or restore (money). [3 definitions] |