refractory
hard or impossible to manage; stubbornly disobedient: a refractory child.
resisting ordinary methods of treatment.
difficult to fuse, reduce, or work, as an ore or metal.
a material having the ability to retain its physical shape and chemical identity when subjected to high temperatures.
refractories, bricks of various shapes used in lining furnaces.
Origin of refractory
1synonym study For refractory
Other words for refractory
Opposites for refractory
Other words from refractory
- re·frac·to·ri·ly, adverb
- re·frac·to·ri·ness, noun
- un·re·frac·to·ry, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use refractory in a sentence
And he only gave way after Bartek's refractoriness also had been softened by unusual eloquence on Porankiewicz's part.
More Tales by Polish Authors | VariousPure clay base is also highly resistant to fire and therefore contributes to the refractoriness of the mass.
The Potter's Craft | Charles F. BinnsIt cannot be doubted that a certain refractoriness to form is a typical feature of the Basque character.
Tragic Sense Of Life | Miguel de UnamunoTwo stumbling-blocks were to be steered clear of:—the scruples of the Jewish converts, and the refractoriness of the Gentiles.
Not Paul, But Jesus | Jeremy BenthamThere was only one part of his progress in which Carefinotu showed refractoriness; that was in learning the English language.
Godfrey Morgan | Jules Verne
British Dictionary definitions for refractory
/ (rɪˈfræktərɪ) /
unmanageable or obstinate
med not responding to treatment
(of a material) able to withstand high temperatures without fusion or decomposition
a material, such as fireclay or alumina, that is able to withstand high temperatures: used to line furnaces, kilns, etc
Origin of refractory
1Derived forms of refractory
- refractorily, adverb
- refractoriness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for refractory
[ rĭ-frăk′tə-rē ]
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.
Resistant to heat.
Of or relating to a refractory period.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Browse