refractory

[ ri-frak-tuh-ree ]

adjective

1. hard or impossible to manage; stubbornly disobedient:

   a refractory child.

   Synonyms: ungovernable, recalcitrant, disobedient, intractable, headstrong, mulish, perverse, obstinate

   Antonyms: tractable, obedient

2. resisting ordinary methods of treatment.
3. difficult to fuse, reduce, or work, as an ore or metal.

noun

, plural re·frac·to·ries.

1. a material having the ability to retain its physical shape and chemical identity when subjected to high temperatures.
2. refractories, bricks of various shapes used in lining furnaces.

refractory

/ rɪˈfræktərɪ /

adjective

1. unmanageable or obstinate
2. med not responding to treatment
3. (of a material) able to withstand high temperatures without fusion or decomposition

noun

1. a material, such as fireclay or alumina, that is able to withstand high temperatures: used to line furnaces, kilns, etc

refractory

/ rĭ-frăk′tə-rē /

1. Having a high melting point. Ceramics that are made from clay and minerals are often refractory, as are metal oxides and carbides. Refractory materials are often used as liners in furnaces.
2. Resistant to heat.
3. Of or relating to a refractory period.

Derived Forms

• reˈfractorily, adverb
• reˈfractoriness, noun

Other Words From

• re·fracto·ri·ly adverb
• re·fracto·ri·ness noun
• unre·fracto·ry adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of refractory¹

First recorded in 1600–10; variant of refractary (by analogy with adjectives in -ory ¹ ), from Latin refrāctārius “stubborn, obstinate,” equivalent to refrāct(us) ( refract ) + -ārius -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of refractory¹

C17: variant of obsolete refractary ; see refract

Synonym Study

See unruly.

Example Sentences

Diagnosed with refractory acute myeloid leukemia at age 7, Sam was very brave but also very sick.

From The Daily Beast

When pure and of close hard grain it is used as a refractory for lining furnaces, especially those designed for anthracite.

From Project Gutenberg

And so mother and daughter in Mr. Wilding's absence pleaded his cause with his refractory bride-elect.

From Project Gutenberg

At last one of the men mounted his horse, and set out with his lariat to lasso the refractory beast in true cow-boy style.

From Project Gutenberg

The guard-room, 8, is identified by the remains of stocks, in which the refractory were fastened for punishment or safe-keeping.

From Project Gutenberg

She understood literature and the beauties of poetry, but it was too late to cultivate her refractory memory.

From Project Gutenberg