Definition of refractory
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: resisting control or authority : stubborn, unmanageable
2a
: 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
refractory
noun
plural refractories
Definition of refractory (Entry 2 of 2)
: a refractory person or thing
especially
: a heat-resisting ceramic material
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for refractory
The first known use of refractory was in 1606
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