refractory

3 entries found for refractory.
To select an entry, click on it.

refractory[1,adjective] refractory[2,noun] refractory period

Main Entry: ¹re·frac·to·ry
Pronunciation: ri-'frak-t(&-)rE
Function: adjective
Etymology: alteration of refractary, from Latin refractarius, irregular from refragari to oppose, from re- + -fragari (as in suffragari to support with one's vote)
1 : resisting control or authority : STUBBORN, UNMANAGEABLE
2 a : resistant to treatment or cure <a refractory lesion> b : unresponsive to stimulus c : IMMUNE, INSUSCEPTIBLE <after recovery they were refractory to infection>
3 : difficult to fuse, corrode, or draw out; especially : capable of enduring high temperature
synonym see UNRULY
- re·frac·to·ri·ly /-t(&-)r&-lE; "rE-"frak-'tor-&-lE, ri-/ adverb
- re·frac·to·ri·ness /ri-'frak-t(&-)rE-n&s/ noun