First Known Use: 1606
Dictionary
1refractory
adjective re·frac·to·ry \ri-ˈfrak-t(ə-)rē\
medical : difficult to treat or cure
: difficult to control or deal with
Full Definition of REFRACTORY
1
: resisting control or authority : stubborn, unmanageable
2
a : resistant to treatment or cure <a refractory lesion> b : unresponsive to stimulus c : immune, insusceptible <after recovery they were refractory to infection>
3
: difficult to fuse, corrode, or draw out; especially : capable of enduring high temperature
— re·frac·to·ri·ly \-t(ə-)rə-lē; ˌrē-ˌfrak-ˈtȯr-ə-lē, ri-\ adverb
— re·frac·to·ri·ness \ri-ˈfrak-t(ə-)rē-nəs\ noun
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Origin of REFRACTORY
alteration of refractary, from Latin refractarius, irregular from refragari to oppose, from re- + -fragari (as in suffragari to support with one's vote)
Related to REFRACTORY
- Synonyms
- balky, contrary, contumacious, defiant, froward, incompliant, insubordinate, intractable, obstreperous, rebel, rebellious, recalcitrant, recusant, disobedient, restive, ungovernable, unruly, untoward, wayward, willful (or wilful)
- Antonyms
- amenable, biddable, compliant, conformable, docile, obedient, ruly, submissive, tractable
Synonym Discussion of REFRACTORY
unruly, ungovernable, intractable, refractory, recalcitrant, willful, headstrong mean not submissive to government or control. unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior <unruly children>. ungovernable implies either an escape from control or guidance or a state of being unsubdued and incapable of controlling oneself or being controlled by others <ungovernable rage>. intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control <intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump>. refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold <special schools for refractory children>. recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority <acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace>. willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way <a willful disregard for the rights of others>. headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion <a headstrong young cavalry officer>.
2refractory
noun
plural refractories
Definition of REFRACTORY
: a refractory person or thing; especially : a heat-resisting ceramic material
First Known Use of REFRACTORY
1627
REFRACTORINESS Defined for Kids
refractory
adjective re·frac·to·ry \ri-ˈfrak-tə-rē\
Definition of REFRACTORY for Kids
1
: resisting control or authority : stubborn <a refractory child>
2
: capable of enduring very high temperatures <refractory clays>
Medical Dictionary
refractory
adjective re·frac·to·ry \ri-ˈfrak-t(ə-)rē\
Medical Definition of REFRACTORY
1
: resistant to treatment or cure <a refractory fulminant lesion> <had disease that was extremely refractory to multiple intensive therapies—Michelle L. Bennett et al>
2
: unresponsive to stimulus <the refractory period of a muscle fiber>
3
: resistant or not responding to an infectious agent : immune <refractory to reinfection>
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