refractory meaning and definition

REFRACTORY noun

Definition of refractory (noun)

1. lining consisting of material with a high melting point; used to line the inside walls of a furnace
   • synonyms: furnace lining

REFRACTORY adjective

Definition of refractory (adjective)

1. not responding to treatment
   • "a stubborn infection"; "a refractory case of acne"; "stubborn rust stains"
   • synonyms: stubborn
2. temporarily unresponsive or not fully responsive to nervous or sexual stimuli
   • "the refractory period of a muscle fiber"
3. stubbornly resistant to authority or control
   • "a fractious animal that would not submit to the harness"; "a refractory child"
   • synonyms: fractious, recalcitrant