refractory period

noun

: the brief period immediately following the response especially of a muscle or nerve before it recovers the capacity to make a second response

called also refractory phase

Examples of refractory period in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The refractory period for knuckle cracking is about 20 minutes. —Dr. Roshini Raj, Health, 1 Feb. 2023

For example, scientists don’t even know for sure why there is a refractory period. —Benjamin Plackett, Discover Magazine, 28 Jan. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1880, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for refractory period

• myriad
• photoperiod

Medical Definition

refractory period

noun

: the brief period immediately following the response especially of a muscle or nerve before it recovers the capacity to make a second response

called also refractory phase

see absolute refractory period, relative refractory period