refractory

re·frac·to·ry  (r-frkt-r)

adj.

1. Obstinately resistant to authority or control. See Synonyms at unruly.

2. Difficult to melt or work; resistant to heat: a refractory material such as silica.

3. Resistant to treatment: a refractory case of acne.

n. pl. re·frac·to·ries

1. One that is refractory.

2. Material that has a high melting point.

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[Alteration (influenced by adjectives in -ory) of obsolete refractary, from Latin refrctrius, from refrctus, past participle of refringere, to break up; see refract.]

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re·fracto·ri·ly adv.

re·fracto·ri·ness n.

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refractory

Adjective

1. Formal stubborn or rebellious

2. Med not responding to treatment

3. (of a material) able to withstand high temperatures without fusion or decomposition

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refractory  (r-frkt-r)

1. Having a high melting point. Ceramics that are made from clay and minerals are often refractory, as are metal oxides and carbides. Refractory materials are often used as liners in furnaces.

2. Resistant to heat.

3. Of or relating to a refractory period.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	refractory - lining consisting of material with a high melting point; used to line the inside walls of a furnace furnace lining lining, liner - a protective covering that protects an inside surface fireclay - a heat-resistant clay alumina, aluminium oxide, aluminum oxide - any of various forms of aluminum oxide occurring naturally as corundum
Adj.	1.	refractory - not responding to treatment; "a stubborn infection"; "a refractory case of acne"; "stubborn rust stains" stubborn medical specialty, medicine - the branches of medical science that deal with nonsurgical techniques intractable - not tractable; difficult to manage or mold; "an intractable disposition"; "intractable pain"; "the most intractable issue of our era"; "intractable metal"
	2.	refractory - temporarily unresponsive or not fully responsive to nervous or sexual stimuli; "the refractory period of a muscle fiber" unresponsive - not responding to some influence or stimulus
	3.	refractory - stubbornly resistant to authority or control; "a fractious animal that would not submit to the harness"; "a refractory child" fractious, recalcitrant disobedient - not obeying or complying with commands of those in authority; "disobedient children"