Main Entry:: ¹re·frac·to·ry $Listen to the pronunciation of 1refractory$
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 , unmanageable2 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 $Listen to the pronunciation of refractorily$ \-t(ə-)rə-lē; ˌrē-ˌfrak-ˈtȯr-ə-lē, ri-\ adverb

— re·frac·to·ri·ness $Listen to the pronunciation of refractoriness$ \ri-ˈfrak-t(ə-)rē-nəs\ noun

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