refractory
[ ri-frak-tuh-ree ]
/ rɪˈfræk tə ri /
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adjective
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.
noun, plural re·frac·to·ries.
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.
OTHER WORDS FOR refractory
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Origin of refractory
synonym study for refractory
1. See unruly.
OTHER WORDS FROM refractory
re·frac·to·ri·ly, adverbre·frac·to·ri·ness, nounun·re·frac·to·ry, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use refractory in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for refractory
refractory
/ (rɪˈfræktərɪ) /
adjective
unmanageable or obstinate
med not responding to treatment
(of a material) able to withstand high temperatures without fusion or decomposition
noun plural -ries
a material, such as fireclay or alumina, that is able to withstand high temperatures: used to line furnaces, kilns, etc
Derived forms of refractory
refractorily, adverbrefractoriness, nounWord Origin for refractory
C17: variant of obsolete refractary; see refract
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Medical definitions for refractory
refractory
[ rĭ-frăk′tə-rē ]
adj.
Resistant to treatment, as a disease.
Unresponsive to stimuli, as a muscle or nerve fiber.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for refractory
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.