refractory period
noun Physiology.
a short period after a nerve or muscle cell fires during which the cell cannot respond to additional stimulation.
Nearby words
refractometer, refractometry, refractor, refractory, refractory anemia, refractory period, refractory state, refracture, refrain, reframe, refrangible
Origin of refractory period
First recorded in 1875–80
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for refractory period
refractory period
noun
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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Medicine definitions for refractory period
refractory period
n.
The period that follows effective stimulation, during which excitable tissue fails to respond to a stimulus of threshold intensity.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for refractory period
refractory period
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. See more at action potential.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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