Main Entry: ¹re·frac·to·ry

Pronunciation: \ri-ˈfrak-t(ə-)rē\

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)

Date: 1606

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

synonyms see unruly

— re·frac·to·ri·ly \-t(ə-)rə-lē; ˌrē-ˌfrak-ˈtȯr-ə-lē, ri-\ adverb

— re·frac·to·ri·ness \ri-ˈfrak-t(ə-)rē-nəs\ noun