refractory period

American  

noun

Physiology.

1. a short period after a nerve or muscle cell fires during which the cell cannot respond to additional stimulation.

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refractory period British  

noun

1. a period during which a nerve or muscle is incapable of responding to stimulation, esp immediately following a previous stimulation. In an absolute refractory period there is a total inability to respond; in an effective or relative refractory period there is a response to very large stimuli

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refractory period Scientific  

1. The period immediately following the transmission of an impulse in nerve or muscle, in which a neuron or muscle cell regains its ability to transmit another impulse.

2. See more at action potential

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Etymology

Origin of refractory period

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

During the refractory period, the membrane cannot generate another action potential.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The refractory period allows the voltage-sensitive ion channels to return to their resting configurations.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

With a crew of dedicated sailors helping him reload, Greyjoy’s scorpion has a refractory period of less than a minute.

From Slate • May 7, 2019

Their influx through slow calcium channels accounts for the prolonged plateau phase and absolute refractory period that enable cardiac muscle to function properly.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

There are two phases of the refractory period: the absolute refractory period and the relative refractory period.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013